City of Stockton, CA - Police Department - Personal safety in your automobile


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Personal Safety in Your Automobile

Make sure your car is always in good working order, with safe tires and an adequate amount of gasoline for your planned trip.
Always check your car before getting in. Make sure there is no one hiding inside or under it.
Have your keys in your hand and ready before arriving at your car.
When driving your car, keep the doors locked and the windows rolled up.
It is best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all other cases, lock your car.
At night, park only in lighted areas.
Do not leave packages or personal items in open view in the car. Place them in the trunk.
If you are in danger of being harmed while in your car, start sounding your horn until assistance arrives.
If you have car trouble:
- Keep your doors locked and stay in your car.
- If someone stops to offer assistance, as them to call the highway patrol, the local police, or the auto club.
- Hang a white handkerchief or rag on your radio antenna as a distress signal.
- Speak from inside your locked car, with the window rolled down just enough to communicate.
Don't stop to assist a motorist stopped on the side of the road; this could be a ploy. Go to a phone and request help for them.
Keep a spare set of car keys with you. If you lose one set or lock yourself out of your car, you'll be able to get going much more quickly.
Never, never pick up hitchhikers.