Road Trips: Staying Safe While Traveling
While taking a road trip, having fun and reaching a certain destination is usually the primary concern, but safety should always be first and foremost. When people leave their hometown and the locations they regularly travel, unfortunately, many leave their safety concerns behind as well. When going on vacation and leaving problems behind, the possibility of running into other problems doesn't usually enter the mind. Vacation time is when people most often let their guard down, and it's for this reason that unwary travelers and vacationers become easy targets of clever criminals or victims of their own poor judgment. You don't have to put a damper on having a good time because of safety concerns, but it's critical to remain aware of your surroundings no matter what you're doing and where you are. Crooks are on the lookout for people who are distracted, and it's easy to forget about safety when having a good time. Consider the following tips on staying safe while taking road trips. Travel Major Highways When traveling areas you're unfamiliar with, stick to major highways and thoroughfares, especially within city limits. Otherwise, you could find yourself in undesirable neighborhoods where crime is a problem, even during daylight hours. Those who are aware of sordid areas avoid these places, but problems aren't always apparent when entering unfamiliar towns and cities. Highway Safety If you ever have vehicle problems, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. If you can't safely get your vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway, turn on emergency lights, exit the vehicle as soon as it's safe, and stand a out of harm's way while calling for help. Approaching vehicles may not be able to tell your vehicle isn't moving until it's too late, so standing away from the vehicle is the best course of action while help is on the way. When traveling by vehicle, if you have car trouble you can find yourself stranded along side the road. If you have a cell phone, stay in your locked vehicle until help arrives. If a well-meaning stranger stops to render assistance, remain in your locked vehicle, If you don't have a cell phone, walk a safe distance away from the highway to the nearest public phone, or allow someone to call for help while remaining within the safety of your vehicle. If at any time you feel threatened, rapidly honk your horn and flash your lights to attract attention and to scare away those with bad intentions. Blend in With the Locals Criminals choose their victims carefully, and some look for vulnerable out-of-town travelers. If you don't look like a tourist, you won't become a target for criminals seeking vacationers. While on your road trip, conceal all maps from plain sight by placing them under the seat of your vehicle, and don't leave hotel receipts or other personal documents in visible locations. Protect your personal information to protect your privacy, and use common sense to stay as safe as possible while enjoying your road trip. More Travel Tips: |
You'll have a good time while continuing to protect yourself, your belongings, and your family.
roll down the window just far enough to speak to the person, and say the police are on the way. You can't be too trusting when stranded alongside the road or when you find yourself in any other vulnerable situation.