Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Traveling by car for business or taking a summer roadtrip by yourself? To minimize your risks when you are driving alone and to avoid an unwelcome encounter, follow these useful safety tips.

Be Ready – Have your key in your hand when going to your car. If you sense you may be in danger, pre-dial 911 on your cell phone before heading to your car

Parking – Plan ahead. If you will be leaving after dark, park in a well-lit area. Always lock your car

Inspect Your Car – Look around and under your car when you return to it. Check for flat tires, which might indicate tampering. Look inside the car to be sure nothing has been tampered with. Return to the building you came from at the first sign of trouble

Trust Your Instincts – If you have been followed to your car or if you suspect someone is hiding in or near it, quickly move away and find help. If you believe you may be in trouble, do not hesitate to call for help or activate your car alarm

Be Cautious, Even Inside – Once inside the car, drive with the doors locked and keep your windows up whenever possible. Be alert at stop lights

Take Action – If you suspect you are being followed, do not drive home! Pull into to the nearest, safest well-lit place and call the police

Be Smart if Bumped – If you get bumped, do not get out of your car unless you are in a safe public area. Criminals might purposely bump you and then wait for you to get out of your car to rob you. If on an isolated road, call 911 immediately. If you do not have a cell phone, continue driving to a public area. If the accident is legitimate, the other driver should follow

Making an Emergency Call – Describe what is happening in detail. Include a description of your location and surroundings, as well as any information or description you can provide about the person or persons who are threatening you

Keep Loved Ones Informed – If your trip involves several stops, tell someone where you plan to go and when you will arrive home

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