Safety Measures You Should Keep In Mind as a Driver
For those of us that drive frequently, we often leave our cars parked in all kinds of places. While many of us take precautions to keep our homes safe when we’re not there, we often don’t think twice about leaving our cars unattended. Unfortunately, this can make them easy targets for criminals and their car window breaker tools.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over 773,000 vehicles were stolen in 2018 alone. That’s over 2,000 cars stolen every day! While some of these thefts are due to opportunity, like unlocked doors or easy-to-force-open windows, many are the result of thieves using sophisticated car window breaker tools to break into vehicles.
So what can you do to keep your car safe when you’re not in it? In this blog post, we’ll share some tips for making your car more secure as well as some hazards to be aware of in parking lots.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR CAR SAFE
Park in a visible, well-lit area
Parking in a well-lit and highly visible area is one of the best things you can do to deter thieves. If your car is in plain sight or in view of security cameras, thieves are less likely to target it.
Keep your car locked
This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people leave their cars unlocked. In fact, 1 in 5 car thefts in 2018 was the result of an unlocked door or window, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
If you have to leave valuables in your car, make sure they’re out of sight. Thieves are more likely to target a car if they see something worth stealing through the window.
Invest in a car alarm
A car alarm is a great way to deter thieves and alert you if someone is trying to break into your car.
Get your VIN etched
Vehicle identification number (VIN) etching is a process where your car’s VIN is permanently engraved onto each window. If a thief tries to sell your stolen car, the VIN etched onto the windows will help law enforcement identify it.
Use a steering wheel lock
A steering wheel lock is a physical device that makes it difficult for a thief to steer your car. This is a great option if you don’t have an alarm system installed.
Keep your keys with you
Many people think they’re being safe by hiding their keys somewhere on the premises, but this can actually backfire. If you lose your keys or they get stolen, now the thief has access to your car and home! That’s why it’s best to keep your keys with you at all times.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are plenty of simple things you can do to keep your car safe when you’re not with it. By following these tips, you can better deter thieves and give yourself peace of mind the next time you leave your car unattended.