Carjacking Safety Tips

1) Always keep your doors and windows locked.

2) Park in well-lighted areas and be aware of your surroundings. Try to avoid going to your car alone after dark. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables in your car or store your valuables out of sight.

3) Pre-planning your route will prevent you from entering undesirable neighborhoods, appearing lost, and having to stop to ask for directions.

4) When possible, drive in the center lane on streets. Avoid getting blocked into the curb lane. If you are involved in a minor traffic accident (rear-ended), motion to the other driver to follow you to a safe, populated, well-lighted area or drive to a nearby police station.

5) If a suspicious person approaches your vehicle, carefully drive away - even if it means you have to run a red light. If you feel threatened by a potential carjacker, honk your horn and drive cautiously to the nearest populated, lighted area. Dial 911 if you have a cellular phone.

6) If confronted, NEVER resist a would-be carjacker. Surrender your keys upon the first request. If it is safe to do so, exit through a car door on the opposite side of the carjacker's location to avoid any physical contact. Remember, carjacking is auto theft and covered by most insurance policies. No auto is worth risking your family's life!