Commuting Safely

• Before leaving for school or work, plan your route. Select the safest route available. Routes that are well lighted and well traveled are always better than desolate paths.
• Always have a backup plan. Plan a secondary route to travel in case there is a major accident or construction tie-up on your usual route.
• Carpool if possible.
• Always keep your vehicle well maintained. Have a reputable mechanic tune-up your vehicle regularly and fix anything needing repair.
• Make sure you have a functional jack and carry a road safety kit with you. Flares, small cones and other brightly colored devices are helpful in creating a safety zone in which you work. 
• If you are stranded, do not leave your car. You are safer waiting for help than you are going to look for it. Police do not recommend going for help unless you can see it. If you must go, stay on the road, where it is more populated.
• If someone stops to ask you if you need help, ask them to go and call the police for you.
• If you commute, consider a cell phone. It is the best safety device you can have in the event of an accident or breakdown.
• If you are stopped in traffic, watch out for people approaching your car.
• Always keep the windows of your vehicle rolled up and doors locked.
• At stop lights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front of your vehicle so that you have an escape option in case of an emergency.
• Maintain at least a half a tank of fuel.
• Always get gas earlier in the day, preferably in the morning. There is high visibility during rush hour traffic.  
• Always stop at well lighted, best attended gas station for fuel, coffee, or snacks. Fill your tank in view of the attendant on duty.