Empowering Women Through “Danger Awareness” Education & Training

Defensive Countremeasures

• Always start your travels with a full tank of gas, make sure your vehicle is in top working condition, and check that you
    have a good spare tire.

 • Know where local, city, and state police stations are located on your route.

 • Keep an emergency kit in your car and make sure it at least includes an emergency flashlight that doesn’t require
     batteries, a reflector, jumper cables, tie down cords, a poncho, first aid kit, multi-purpose tool, emergency blanket,
     compass, and water

 • Also, make sure you have an emergency escape hammer in your car that it is within reach of the driver’s seat. Tens of
     thousands of people are trapped in their vehicle every year from collisions or from being submerged in water. A seat
     belt can easily become jammed during an accident and you will be unable to release it in the normal way or your door
     may be jammed shut with your air bag pressed so tightly up against you that you’re momentarily unable to move.

     Now, imagine that your fuel tank has ruptured and your car is on fire or about to burst into flames. This is a scenario
     played out thousands of times a year. An escape tool can save your life in either of the above scenarios. You need to
     be able to get to it quickly, which is why you should place it within easy reach. A good escape tool can cut a seat
     belt, deflate an air bag, and bust out the side window.

 • Park in well lit areas with moderate pedestrian traffic and always remember where you parked.

 • When possible, back your car into parking spaces because it’s quicker if you have to get away.

 • Always lock your car after entering it and leaving it.

 • Never leave keys in the ignition, even for a momentary errand.

 • Carry a spare set of keys.

  • Carry a pepper spray device that attaches to your key chain.

 • If you break down or have trouble with your car, pull off the road, if possible, activate your emergency flashers, and
     immediately call for help with your cell phone. Remain in the car with its windows up and doors locked until you are
     absolutely positive that it is safe to exit the vehicle, in which case you would leave your hood up and place an
     emergency reflector ten to fifteen feet behind your car and get back in it until help comes.

 • If you’re being harassed by anyone in another vehicle or you feel you’re being followed, use your cell phone to report
     the incident, and drive to the nearest populated service station, strip mall or police station, and honk your horn for
     help.

 • Never pick up hitchhikers or give strangers a ride.

 • You can become a victim of a carjacking nearly anywhere. Carjackers, however, are more likely to attack a motorist at
     common stopping points such as stop signs, traffic lights, parking lots, gas stations, rest areas, restaurants, and fast
     food drive-thrus. Most carjackings take place on weekends between 7 and 12 p.m.

 • One of the best defenses against a carjacking is to keep your windows up and doors locked. After getting into your car,
     lock the doors immediately. Should someone attempt to order you out of your vehicle, put it in gear and drive away as
     fast as possible.

 • Should someone attempt to carjack your vehicle while you’re getting in or out of it, throw your keys in one direction and
     run the other direction. Just like with money or valuables, if they come after you, instead of your car, then you’ll know
     it was you they were really after to start with and you need to do whatever it takes to not be taken hostage.

 • Should someone attempt to get into your car while you’re in it and you can’t speed away, throw your keys out of the
     car, or in the back seat and climb out the opposite side they’re trying to get in. Then, run like the wind while screaming
     at the top of your lungs for help.

 • When leaving any area, make sure you’re not being followed. Car bump lures and home invasions are one of the fastest
     growing crimes in this country and most involve being followed home from a shopping center after being targeted for
     your valuables or looks.

The automobile has become our primary mode of transportation, and the conveniences it provides makes it one of the greatest inventions in recent history.  Planning ahead before we get behind the wheel is a good thing, both for our personal safety as well as the safety of those whom we share the road with.

 

Having a car in good working order is important, and it is important we follow our auto’s regular maintenance schedule.  Women frequently find themselves at risk due to mechanical failure, as predators can view this as a unique opportunity to take advantage of a stranded victim.