MOTORING NEWS - Many South Africans go to extraordinary lengths to ensure personal safety in their homes.
"Whether you are going on a short trip or a long journey, it's always a good idea to ensure you are equipped to deal with any emergency you may encounter. It's also important to always keep calm, assess the situation and remember that you are more valuable than your vehicle," the AA notes.
Readers in the Southern Cape are gradually getting more safety-conscious and of course, many of our readers visit friends or relatives in bigger cities.
So it makes sense to take note of the precautions the AA suggests.
Should you be long overdue, questions will be asked. Make sure you have enough fuel to get you to your destination, or to the nearest fuel station.
"If you break down, pull off to the shoulder as quickly as possible and immediately inform someone of your situation," says the AA.
- If possible, avoid driving in dimly lit areas or areas you are unfamiliar with
- Download the AA Rescue App which will send your location directly to the AA call centre and a nominated friend or family member should you activate it
- AA Members can subscribe to the AA Stand-By-You service where an armed security guard will be dispatched to your location to wait with you while assistance is on its way. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year
- Ensure your mobile phone is charged in case you need it during an emergency
- Pack any valuables, including laptops and handbags, in the boot of the car. Do not leave these on the passenger or back seats where they are easily visible and can be easily reached through open windows or in smash-and-grab incidents
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings Note any suspicious people or cars at home or at work. If you do see anything out of the ordinary, call for help before you get out of your vehicle
- If you have an electric gate, check around before opening it and, if possible, ensure it is well lit for when you arrive in the dark. If possible, fix light sensors that activate in low light
- Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed around your driveway to deny anyone the opportunity to hide in wait. This also makes exiting the driveway safer by offering greater road visibility
- If you are concerned that you are being followed, circle the block before going home and if the car is still behind you, drive to the nearest police station
- Keep a sensible distance between yourself and the car in front of you when stopping, to leave enough room to get your car out quickly, should the need arise
- If you have been the victim of a smash-and-grab incident, don't get out of your vehicle and chase after the suspect; this will leave you exposed and vulnerable to other thieves
"Being aware of what is happening around you is especially important because people can become victims of hijackings while entering or leaving their homes.
It is always a good idea to scout the area in front of your home before going in to avoid a nasty surprise once your gate has opened," the AA suggests.
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