Easter safety tips
Updated | By Olivia Phalaetsile

Safety Awareness in a Vehicle
o Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey.
o Ensure that the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel.
o Always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed.
o Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
o Avoid to stop at remote places.
o Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.
o If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide -only 5 cm is enough to have a discussion.
o If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away.
o Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.
o Vary the route you travel to work and back, if this is possible.
o If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.
o If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
o Car jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.
o If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.
o Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car.
o Your life is more valuable than your possessions.
o Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon.
o Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
o A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
o Do not give strangers a lift.
o A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device.
o If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage.
o Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.
Safety Awareness when Parking/Driving your Vehicle
o Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars.
o Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicles glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law!).
o Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car.
o Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car.
o Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tire, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the car or rob your car.
o Always close your windows when driving in the city centre.
o Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at the robots.
o Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times.
o Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
o Lock your valuables in the cars boot before departure.
o At night, park in well-lit areas.
o If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
o Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home.
o Become familiar with your route before you start the trip.
o Get a map of the route and study it.
o Store luggage in the cars boot where it is out of sight.
o Do not leave your goods/valuable items visible in the car.
o Do not leave your handbag/briefcase visible in the car.
o Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
o Always lock the doors and close the windows when getting out of the car.
o Remove detachable radios and the radio=s face when getting out of the car.
o Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car.
o Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag.
o Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision/ someone patrolling are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.
Road Safety: Aggressive Driving Behaviour
The followings aspects might trigger aggressive behaviour:
o Following too close to the vehicle in front.
o Passing vehicles on the right.
o Cutting in and out of traffic and failing to signal while engaging in multiple lane changes.
o Crossing safety markings while merging onto ramps.
o Failing to yield at ramps and intersections.
o Violating railroad crossings.
o Displaying or using a weapon.
o Displaying aggressive or obscene gestures.
o Slow moving traffic in fast lanes, etc.
The following hints are applicable:
o Do not react to provocation.
o Stay away from erratic drivers.
o Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver.
o Use your hooter sparingly.
o Do not flash your headlights.
o Do not make obscene gestures.
o Do not change lanes without using your indicator.
o Do not drive too close to the vehicle in front of you.
o Do not block lanes
(File photo: Gallo images)
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