I started driving at a rather late age simply because I didn’t have a car to drive because my newspaper salary back then couldn’t afford to pay even for a second-hand car. That was ages ago, when female drivers were as rare as the Yangtze River Dolphin. Back then, the probably threatened male species thought very little of the femme behind the steering wheel and even made fun of her (of course, he wouldn’t dare insult her to her face — not when she’s driving and he’s seated beside her).
Well, times have changed. Women who don’t or can’t drive are a rarity now. They could drive the men crazy. All my sisters, my nieces, most of my girlfriends and female officemates drive. Female drivers, unite!
When I didn’t have a car, I worried about how to get to work and get home from work. Now that I have a car, I worry whether I’d be able to go to work and go back home in one piece. This brings me back to the story of a colleague who’s a culture vulture and loves watching shows at the CCP. He tells me with a straight face, “I really have a great time watching at the CCP because I don’t have a car.” With furrowed eyebrows, I ask, “What did you say again?” He quickly replies, “Well, those who drive their cars to the CCP to watch can’t sit still half the time because they’re worried that thieves might steal something in their cars or even steal their cars.”
Carjacking sure is a scary word. Fact is, it’s a scary world out there, what with carnapping cases on the rise — and carnappers on the prowl, ready to pounce on their next victim.
Thus, it’s SOP that as soon as you get into your car and buckle up, you lock all the doors — and keep them locked at all times. These days, most cars have power locks which are activated when you start the car. Thank goodness for power locks, one car owner was able to ward off some carjackers who tried to get into his car when he came to a halt for a red light. Like most street-smart drivers, I, too, make sure all my doors are locked — especially after that very late night when I dropped off an officemate on Roxas Boulevard and then took the usual route home via Buendia. I admit it was quite stupid of me to stop on an unlighted corner even for just a minute to check if my cell phone was in my bag. Hello, what was I thinking? Suddenly, a girl appeared from out of nowhere, knocking on my window. In the dark, I couldn’t see her face clearly, but I could hear her talking to somebody. With my heart pounding, I took off faster than a speeding bullet until I reached a well-lighted, high-traffic area.
Somebody was thoughtful enough to send me something called “Anti-carjacking 101.” It says that when another car bumps our car, we’ve been trained to pull over and stop. Now, that’s a perfect scenario for carjacking! It cites the popular carjacking locations as follows: road intersection with a stoplight or any place where drivers slow down or stop, gas stations, car washes, parking lots of supermarkets and shopping malls, ATMs, hotels, valet parking, fast-food drive-thru, outside stores. Add to the list, residential driveways. Like ordinary street robbers, carjackers like the element of surprise.
Thus, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. And so, these anti-carjacking tips were put together by Chris E. McGoey (Crime Doctor — your prescription for security and safety). Next time you sit behind the wheel and take to the road, remember:
• Always park in well-lighted, high-traffic areas, if you plan to arrive/leave after dark.
• Don’t park in isolated or visually obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage (or trees).
• As you approach your vehicle, look under, around, and inside your car.
• If someone tries to approach you, change direction or run to a busy store.
• As you walk to your car, be alert to suspicious persons sitting in cars (or somebody who may be following behind you, who may beat you to your car as soon as you press the “open” button on your car key remote).
• Don’t be a target by turning your back while loading packages into the car.
• Ask for a security escort if you are alone at a shopping mall.
• If safe, open the door, enter quickly, and lock the doors.
• Make it your habit to always start your car and drive away immediately.
• Teach and practice with your children to enter and exit the car quickly.
• In the city, always drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up.
• If you are bumped in traffic, by young males, be suspicious of the accident.
• Beware of the Good Samaritan who offers to repair your car or a flat tire. It’s okay to get help, just be alert.
• If you are ever confronted by an armed carjacker, don’t resist.
• Give up your keys or money if demanded without resistance. (Your life is worth more than your car. Besides, if your car has comprehensive insurance coverage, you should have no problem.)
• Don’t argue, fight or chase the robber. You can be seriously injured.
• Never agree to be kidnapped. Drop the car keys and run and scream for help.
• If you are forced to drive, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection to attract attention so bystanders can come to your aid and call the police.
• Call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information.
• Never leave your car running and unattended, even if it will take you only a few minutes to dash to a store to buy something.
• Never leave your keys in the car or ignition, even inside a locked garage.
• Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is in front of your home.
• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.
• Install a mechanical device that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake pedal to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Commonly called clubs, collars, or J-bars, these devices can act as a highly visible physical deterrent if installed properly.
• Investigate the purchase of an auto alarm system if you live in a high-theft area or drive a theft-prone vehicle. Display an alarm decal near the door handle.
• If you park in a pay parking area, take the pay-ticket with you. It’s the thief’s ticket out of the place, too.
• Use valet parking or an attended parking area, if you’re a woman driving alone.
• If you use valet parking, leave just the ignition key with the attendant. Make sure no identifying information is attached to the key. Do the same when you take your car for repairs.
• Carry your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card with you. Don’t leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
• Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them on you with your driver’s license. If your vehicle is stolen, police will need this information promptly.
Drive safely. Don’t be the next carnapping victim.
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