In recent weeks, there has been an increase in attacks on women who have also had their cars stolen. As we approach the busy season, this will increase. The following tips were presented by John Azar of King Alarm on ways that women can ensure their safety at home, on the streets, in their cars and in general.

Female drivers are often the victims of carjackings and attempted abductions, quite possibly because criminals perceive them to be easier targets. With this in mind, it is important that female drivers be acutely aware of potential dangers while on the road. But, remember that there are steps that can be taken to greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

With the technological advances in recent years, GPS vehicle-tracking systems are now readily available to the Jamaican consumer. Such a system will not only ensure that your vehicle can be recovered from anywhere in the island if it were to be stolen but, even more important, would allow you to send your security company a silent panic alarm from your vehicle when faced with any challenging situation.

Even while mentioning the availability of electronic security products, it must be stressed that good security begins with a mindset, and there is no substitute for being security conscious and aware of potential threats and how they can then be minimised. Prevention is better than cure, and that is especially true for every security situation.

Security tips

Read the following list of security tips that can be used to protect you when driving on the road:

1 Be alert: How often have you passed a friend in traffic and seen them totally absorbed in a telephone conversation and oblivious to everything else around them? Criminals see this, too! Be especially alert when stopping at traffic lights or stop signs.

2 Never stop too close to the vehicle in front of you when in traffic, this makes it impossible to manoeuvre if you need to make a quick getaway.

3 If someone hits into the back of your car on a lonely road, do not stop, as this ploy is often used by would-be attackers.

4 When waiting for someone, avoid parking at a lonely spot.

5 Keep all doors and windows locked while driving, and never leave your handbag or cellular phone on your seat, especially when stopping at traffic lights.

6 Never offer rides to unknown persons.

7 When driving at night, select your route in advance, avoiding lonely roads. Vary your routes and times of travel and avoid routines, if at all possible.

8 Check your rear-view mirror constantly to see if you are being followed. If you suspect you are, drive to the nearest place of safety, sounding your horn constantly. Criminals hate unwanted attention.

9 When approaching your car at the supermarket or elsewhere, always check to ensure that no one is hiding behind the front seats.

10 If a motor vehicle accident occurs on a lonely road, proceed to a populated area or to the nearest police station.

Keep reading the Flair in coming weeks for more tips on protecting your person and home. First published in the Flair Magazine on May 26, 2008.