Vehicle Travel

from Clayton's Personal Security Handbook

• Vary your departure times and be on the lookout for surveillance when coming and going.
• Vary your routes.  Learn the locations of police stations, hospitals, military posts or other places that could be used as a safe haven in case of emergency.
• Be as inconspicuous as possible. Use vehicles that do not attract unwanted attention.
• Do not always use the same vehicle. This is important in high-risk kidnap locations.
• Keep the vehicle’s hood, trunk and gas cap secured.
• Keep doors and windows locked at all times.
• Do not lower windows more than two inches for ventilation or to speak to someone outside the vehicle.
• Avoid driving on remote roads whenever possible.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
• Keep your vehicle at a distance from the curb.  Drive as close as possible to the centerline so the vehicle cannot be forced to the curb.
• When stopping at a traffic signal, keep enough distance from the vehicle in front to allow your vehicle room for evasive maneuvering.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area.  Whenever approaching your vehicle, make sure that no one is near the vehicle or inside the vehicle.
• If you use a driver, request one with training in defensive driving techniques and provide a security briefing.  The driver should agree to a predetermined signal to be used in case of emergency or danger.
• Do not provide a driver with an advance ground itinerary unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
• If carjacked, surrender the vehicle and do not resist.  Move away from the vehicle and call the police.