Unfortunately, crime is 1 of those terrible things that you’ll find wherever you go. We like to think of it as a uniquely South African problem, but the fact is that wherever you go… Crime happens. 1 of the places where it tends to happen quite a bit is when you’re on the road. You see, when you’re on the move, you (and the stuff that you have with you) are magically transformed into a dynamically attractive target to thieves and hi-jackers.
Look, there’s not a heck of a lot that you can do to control the actions of others. Criminals are going to do whatever it is that they want to do. But don’t lose hope. There are a few things that you can try to do the best you can to avoid a dangerous situation that endangers your life and your possessions.
Here are 4 things that you can do to be safer on the road.
Leave a real gap
Let’s say that you’re driving along, minding your own business and obeying the speed limit. Did you know that there’s something else that you should be minding to be safer on the road? It’s the distance between your car and all the others on the road. When you’re stopping behind another car at a stop street or a red robot, you should try to keep about a 5 meter distance between yourself and others. Not only will this mitigate the damage done by any reckless driving on the part of other road users, but it also gives you room to get away if you need to. Like if you see a hi-jacker approaching.
Take a break from your old routine
Criminals love routine, especially your routine. If you do the same thing and travel the same route every day, they can hatch an effective plan to steal your car, break into your car, or hi-jack you. So, try to mix it up and throw anyone who has been casing your home, or is following you home, off the trail.
The added bonus is that you’ll also get to know more of the roads around your neighbourhood.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
Leaving your handbag in the car while you rush into the pharmacy for some paracetamol? Maybe you’ve left your tablet on the passenger seat, while you head into the movies? Whatever it is, don’t do it. We can’t implore you enough, so we’ll keep it to begging you not to leave stuff lying around inside your car for all the world to see. It’s tempting to anyone passing by with a desire to own things that they haven’t paid for.
Rather keep items in the boot or with you when you leave the car. We even suggest that you tuck your handbag under the passenger seat before you start the engine.
Stop somewhere safe
Not all criminals are lazy. Some will go to the effort of tricking you into pulling over somewhere that’s a little unsafe, like a spot with low lighting or somewhere more isolated. How? Well, we’ve heard of people ‘accidentally’ ramming into the back of cars or even impersonating police officers.
If you have any suspicions at all, then put your hazards on and drive slowly to the nearest police station. If the cops are legit, then while they might be irritated, they should understand your caution.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Speaking of which, if you’re looking to amp up the protection of your car and your stuff, then it’s way better to err on the side of safety by getting car and portable possessions insurance.
Just click here for a commitment-free quote today.
Posted in partnership with King Price Insurance
