GUARD AGAINST ATTACK IN AND AROUND YOUR CAR

When can a quarter be worth a million dollars?

When there's an emergency, a quarter for a phone call can be absolutely priceless. Remember to carry spare change with you at all times. And keep important phone numbers close at hand, including 24- hour towing services and nearby hospitals, plus the number and address of the police department near your home or workplace.

If you belong to an auto club, carry the membership card with you and keep the phone number in your glove compartment. Many offer a toll-free number as well as a local "hot line" for roadside assistance. Should you be injured or unable to call for help, it's a good idea to prepare and keep in your wallet a current list of the names and phone numbers of family and friends who need to be contacted.


Q.	Sometimes, people are attacked while walking to their cars. What's my best defense?
A.	A. Any person walking alone - male or female - is potential prey for an assault. Just the attitude you convey while going to your car can have an effect on would-be assailants. Walk purposefully and look confident. Have your car keys in hand and be ready to unlock the door without delay. It's important to choose a safe path to your car. Try to stay away from alleyways and isolated or poorly lit places. By all means, avoid shortcuts through unfamiliar areas.

How should I react if I feel my personal safety is being threatened?

A. Never wait for a potentially dangerous situation to occur. Follow your instincts. If you feel you re in danger whether driving or on foot, it's probably time to react.

Your personal safety is the first priority in a time of emergency. Do anything you can to draw attention. Keep a police whistle on your key chain and blow it repeatedly if you feel threatened. Blink your headlights. Just honking your car's horn is one of the loudest and fastest ways to scare someone off or let others know you need help.

Of course, one of the best deterrents to crime is locking the doors of your car. And keeping them locked, no matter how comfortable or safe you may feel in a particular area.

How can I keep up my guard when walking in a parking lot?

A. A parking lot is often where drivers are the most vulnerable - whether it's an office garage, a shopping mall or outdoor lot.

This is one place where you should be constantly aware of your surroundings. To begin with, try to arrive at and leave your parking area in daylight or when other people are present. Choose a well-lit parking place as close to an entrance as possible. If you must leave valuables in your car, place them out of sight or in your trunk. Lock your car and make sure you carefully note its location.

Don't limit your ability to react by carrying too many packages. As you walk, observe those around you - notice if there are strangers sitting in parked cars or standing in your pathway. If so, choose an alternate route and, by all means, avoid them.

Look carefully at your car as you approach for people hiding behind or underneath. And before you get in, check the back seat and the floor for any uninvited passengers. If you have a two-door model, keep both front seat-backs pushed forward, so you can see if someone may be hiding inside. If you suspect anyone is there, keep walking to the nearest open store or well-lit place to summon help.

Q.	What should I do if I'm being followed?
A.	A. If you're in your vehicle, above all, remain calm. You are much less vulnerable when sitting behind the wheel of your car. Do not drive home. You may think going home is the safest alternative; however, it only tells the person following where you live. Instead, drive to the nearest police or fire station, or any open business. Go to any public place where there are other people and you can safely call police. Try to provide the police with the license number and make of car and if possible, a description of the person following you.
	If you're on foot and think someone is behind you or waiting in your car, again keep walking to the nearest place with people to obtain help. On the other hand, if someone harasses you from a car while you're on foot, turn in the opposite direction the car is driving and, if necessary, run to safety.

What's the best way I can signal for help?

A. Your car's hazard lights or emergency flashers are a universal signal that you need help. You'll find the switch to activate them is almost always on the steering column or dashboard of your car. Take the time to know where the switch is located and how to use it.

In the event of a breakdown, simply turn on your flashers, and raise the hood of your car. You can also tie a white cloth to the antenna or door handle. An open trunk will tell people that you need assistance as well.

Many drivers keep "SEND HELP" or "PLEASE CALL POLICE" signs in their car. These are available at many retail stores and are easily read at night and from a distance. If you should have car trouble, place the sign in the highway side window of your car.

Perhaps one of the most important things to keep in your car is a working flashlight, with fresh batteries. And you should carry warning flares or reflectors in the trunk of your car.

What do I do if my car breaks down on the road?

A. Try to move your car to a safe location on the side of the road, out of traffic. And remember to turn on your emergency flashers. Most importantly, stay with your car no matter how tired or frustrated you are or how much you need help. Generally, it's much safer to remain where you are with the doors locked until help arrives. If available, a cellular car phone or CB radio offers drivers one of the fastest ways to call for roadside assistance.

If someone approaches your car to offer help, crack the window slightly to communicate. Offer a quarter and ask the person to stop at the nearest phone and call for help. Never get into a stranger's car for any reason.

I'm driving alone and a passing motorist tries to pull me over. What should I do?

A. If a person in a vehicle with no markings motions you to the side of the road, do not pull over. Keep driving to the nearest open business where other people are present.

However, you should comply immediately and in a safe manner when directed by an official in a marked vehicle to pull over. Even though the officer may be in uniform, you have the right to ask for identification. In addition, you are required to carry and supply certain information, including an up-to-date driver's license. You may also be asked to show your automobile registration and proof of insurance and display a current inspection sticker. If possible, learn to identify markings on state and local police cars, as well as their uniforms and badges.

I'm planning a trip out of town. Is there anything special I should do?

A. Absolutely. When you're traveling on unfamiliar roads, it's more important than ever to take extra precautions. In the past year, one out of four drivers on the road experienced some sort of breakdown. You need to be prepared.

For starters, write down and leave an itinerary with family or friends complete with travel dates, lodging and phone numbers of where you expect to be. And call home to report that you have safely reached your destination.

Plan your trip carefully. Carry maps with routes and destinations clearly marked so they're easy to see. And before you leave town, have your car serviced, the tires checked and pack a tool kit. It's much safer to travel on main roads and in daylight hours. And once you're on the road, do not pick up strangers under any circumstances.

What are the best things I can do to be safe in my car?

A. First and foremost, you should keep your car in excellent running condition 100% of the time. Perform or have someone perform routine maintenance regularly on your car. And be sure you have tire changing tools available and know how to use them. Always make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and in good condition.

Whether you're on foot or in your car, you need to be aware of what's going on around you - the people, your surroundings, the total "environment." And remember, if you're ever in a dangerous situation, common sense is always your best defense.

These questions and answers are meant to contribute to your personal security both in and around your car. But where your safety is concerned you can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware.

Whether you're driving or walking to your car, there are many things you can do to increase your personal safety. Here are a few suggestions.
Q.1 When can a quarter be worth a million dollars?		Q.6 What's the best way I can signal for help?
Q.2 Sometimes, people are attacked while walking to their cars. What's my best defense?		Q.7 What do I do if my car breaks down on the road?
Q.3 How should I react if I feel my personal safety is being threatened?		Q.8 I'm driving alone and a passing motorist tries to pull me over. What should I do?
Q.4 How can I keep up my guard when walking in a parking lot?		Q.9 I'm planning a trip out of town. Is there anything special I should do?
Q.5 What should I do if I'm being followed?		Q.10 What are the best things I can do to be safe in my car?