Be Safe in Your Car

Be Safe
By John H. Thurman Jr., M.Div., M.A.

Walk circumspectly.

I am normally a positive, upbeat guy, but don’t be misled. I am very aware that we live in a dangerous world. As a professional who deals with workplace violence and victims of violent crimes I want to share with you some BE SAFE practices that you can initiate today.

The suggestions come from, Loren W. Christiansen’s book, How to Live Safely in a Dangerous World. Loren is an expert in police defensive tactics. He began his law enforcement career in 1967 as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. In 1972 he joined the Portland Police Bureau in Oregon, where he still works today.

Loren holds several black belts in karate, jujitsu, and arnis, and has written dozens of articles and seven books on the martial arts. Here are some of his safety tips for driving alone:

Have your cell phone on and with you at all times.

Keep windows up and doors locked.

Keep gas in your tank.

When stopped at a traffic light keep your car in gear.

Stay alert.Talking on the phone and playing with your GPS are distractions that should be avoided when driving.

If you are ever followed, make sure you check your review mirror on a regular basis. Stay on a well-lit, busy street and make two extra turns to make sure. If you have a cell phone, dial 911 and tell the police what is going on, where you are, and what direction you are heading. Give the operator a description of your car, your license plate and as much of a description of the suspicious car as you are able, then follow the operators instructions.

If you are forced off of the road, don’t get out of the car. Make sure the doors are locked and the windows are up. The lean on the horn, long and hard. Call 911.

When parking choose a place that is well lit and where there are people walking around. Once you are parked, do a 360-degree search of your new surroundings before you get out. If anything makes you feel uneasy, fearful or hesitant, then don’t get out. Always lock your car, carry your keys and never leave the car running.

When returning to your car make sure you are aware of your surroundings just like you did when you got out of the car. If at all possible have someone either walk you to the car or have them watch you as you move towards your car. Check the car out before you get in, if all is clear head home.

As you near your house, watch your rearview mirror for any vehicle that looks out of place. If there is one, don’t go home. Drive to the nearest fire or police station, or any open business where there are lots of people.