How to Reduce Your Chances of Being Carjacked How to approach your car Always walk with your head up in a direct line to your vehicle. Always choose your parking place, being closest to the store front for the shortest walk isn't always the safest place to park. Mini-van, handi-cap access vehicles normally park closer to store fronts. These vehicles do not give you a 'good-view' of your surroundings. Park a little further out away from the other vehicles ... you will have good visibility, reduce your chance of a door ding, and get some exercise. Walk in the center of the path or roadway, not close to the sides. Walk with purpose and stay alert. Approach your car with the key in hand. Hold your keys with your strongest hand and hold the car key only with your thumb and pointer finger. Grasp your keychain in your palm. Your keys are a pretty good weapon. If you are attacked, go for the eyes with your car key. Look around and inside the car before getting in. Lock the doors immediately; anytime you are anywhere, vehicle locking the door just makes good sense to avoid an unwanted person getting in and to help keep the door closed during a roll over collision. How to drive on the road Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, no matter how short the distance or how safe the area. The locked doors will keep the doors closed during a roll over collision...in case the door handle catches the pavement. Look around constantly, especially at places where you slow down or stop, such as garages, parking lots, intersections, and self-serve gas stations. In areas you know are dangerous that you can not avoid, try not to stop at stop lights. Instead, slow down before you reach an intersection with a red light already showing or where cars are stopped. When the light changes, speed up and clear the intersection. This manuver is so popular in the LA area that it has a name - it's called the California Roll. When you are rolling to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and might possibly need to get away rapidly. Avoid driving alone. Travel with someone if possible, especially at night. Do NOT stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help. Even better, have a cell phone handy to call for assistance. All cell phones, if charged, can call 911 whether you have paid service or not. Wave your cell phone at the stranger so that he or she knows help is on the way. If somebody stands in front of your car, as you are stopped at a light for example, rev the engine. If they do not move quickly, drive around them. If many people quickly run to your car, try to put their hands inside or show a weapon to make you stop - ACCELERATE AND LEAVE THE AREA. If they refuse to move - RUN THEM OVER. You have the right to protect yourself. The best scenario is they just steal your car, but think about it. If you have been forced from a car, and you are now standing alone with no lifelines, among people who are bold enough to steal a car, you are in grave danger. You have a 3000 pound weapon at your disposal. Use it. How to get out of your car Park in well lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked. Put them in the trunk or out of sight. Why do people carjack cars? Often cajacking is the first step in another crime. Criminals need an untraceable random vehicle to do an armed robbery. This explains why some "beater" cars are carjacked at almost the same rate as luxury models. For some young people, carjacking may be a rite of passage, a status symbol, or a thrill. Cars, especially high end models, provide quick cash for drug users. Enter a door for Police Officers, Kids, Teens, Parents, Teachers, Articles, Special Offers    Free counters provided by Andale   Clipart Credit: Clips Ahoy