Keep your car in good mechanical condition to avoid breakdowns and to allow
you to react quickly if you find yourself in a bad situation.

Hold your keys in your hand as you approach your parked car.  Don't wait until
you reach  the car to search for them in your pocket or purse.  Experts say
you're most vulnerable when you are getting into or out of your car.

Check the back seat before getting into your car.

Lock all doors and roll up all windows when you drive.

Sound the horn in potentially dangerous situations.

To help deter abductions in your own car, consider having it equipped with
an alarm that goes off a few seconds after you enter unless you turn it off.

If your car becomes disabled, lock yourself in and turn on the four-way
flashers until police arrive.

Be wary of using a citizens' band radio to call for help.  Calls are sometimes
answered by people with the wrong motives.  If you do use your CB radio,
don't leave your car until a uniformed police officer arrives.

If you drive alone in winter, keep emergency items such a a traction mat,
shovel and bag of sand or kitty litter in your trunk.  Flares, Blankets, water,
flashlight, canned food and a reflective "Help" sign are also useful.

If you have a flat tire in a dark or dangerous location, drive slowly to the
nearest service station or public phone.  Even if you ruin the tire, you will
not have risked your life.

Always park in a central, well-lighted place, preferably where there are
attendants on duty or people passing by.

Avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.

If you notice someone suspicious near your car, walk in a different direction
toward a public place and seek help.

Beware of men in civilian clothes driving unmarked cars who show you what
appears to be a police badge.  Don't roll down your window or get out of
the car.  Instead, request that a marked police car be called.

If your car is rammed from behind and the hit seems to be deliberate, stay
in the car with the doors locked.  Wait for the police to arrive.

Most police experts do not recommend that you carry weapons in your car.  
Instead they suggest that everyday items like flashlights, fingernail files,
pens, keys and screwdrivers to used for protection.

If someone forces you to drive you car in abduction try to attract the attention
of the police by turning off the lights or driving in an erratic manner.

Never follow a stranger who offers to help you find your way on an unfamiliar
road or street.  Wait in your vehicle and ask for directions.

Consider the advantages of a mobile telephone.  It provides instant
communication and might make the difference in some cases.