View on Vehicle Safety By Jon Nerlinger For most of us, our cars provide us with freedom, self-reliance, and even self-expression. In fact, for the majority of us, our cars have evolved into a vital necessity in both our work and personal lives.
V I E W O N S A F E T Y
Unfortunately, the criminal element amongst us has an altogether different perception of our vehicles, and the crimes of opportunity they can potentially provide. Many crimes, both violent and non-violent, are perpetrated in direct correlation to vehicles. For example, over the past few years a disturbing trend has emerged regarding robberies and violent assaults that take place at a victim’s parked vehicle. These confrontations occur most often in parking lots, such as grocery store parking lots, and mall, or strip mall parking lots. They happen in good, and in crime-ridden neighborhoods. There are numerous variations on the suspect’s approach to the victim, but suffice it to say that the suspect always uses the element of surprise to his advantage. While men are not exempt from these types of confrontational crimes, women are most often targeted. Typically, a suspect will pick his victim as she arrives to go shopping and parks her vehicle. He will wait until she returns to her vehicle and strike when she is distracted, and therefore most vulnerable. Remember that surprise is the key factor in his approach. Upon her return to her vehicle, it may be that she is unloading groceries into her car, placing her child in a car seat, talking or texting on her cell phone, or simply opening the driver’s door in order to enter her vehicle. The victim is completely surprised when confronted. The suspect may just want the victim’s purse, or he may want to take (carjack) her vehicle, or he may even attempt to kidnap her. Here are some safety tips regarding the prevention of crimes as they relate to our vehicles: First and foremost, be vigilant. When parking, scan the area. Pay attention to what is happening around you. Upon returning to your vehicle, stay focused as you approach, keys in hand. See anything suspicious? Is there a van or other large vehicle parked right next to yours? If you sense danger, never be shy or embarrassed about returning to the store you just left to ask for an escort to your car. As a matter of routine, when you drive, keep your doors locked. Check your mirrors frequently. Is there a vehicle that appears to be following you? “Follow home” assaults and thefts are
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