Driving At Home or in Another Country.

• Keep all doors locks and windows up at all times.

• Never let the Gas/petrol tank get less then quarter full.

• Join a reputable breakdown service (AA/AAA etc. with foreign travel cover).

• When stopped in traffic do not pull right up beside the car in the next lane .Always stay back a few feet so that you can see the person beside you but they have to look back to see you . This avoids eyeballing and eye contact challenges . If someone is loitering at a light or crosswalk , stop some distance back from the light . This allows you time to see what they are doing and react if necessary .

• When stopping at lights / junctions always leave enough space between you and the car and front so that you could drive around without reversing . As a general rule if you can see where the front cars tyres meet the road surface you will be able to drive around in one manoeuvre .

• Do not use you car horn to express irritation or anger. It gives people quite a fright and angers many. Always consider that you have no idea who is in the car it could anymediumg from a police officer, to a mugger, or someone who just had bad news and your beep is the final straw!

• If you are threatened or being abused by another motorist, look at them and clearly say it was your fault and you’re sorry, using both hands in a calming motion. Even if it wasn’t! It’s not about being right it’s about being safe Do not engage in any further conversation other than saying your sorry and do not ignore them. If they persist call the police and tell them you that you have done it!

• Keep a pen and paper handy. If some one is threatening you let them see you take their number. In general people are less likely to be aggressive when they can be tracked down • Consider having a cheap mobile phone that is always left in the car with a dedicated charger. An old fashioned less ‘trendy’ phone is perfect with a pay as you go type account

• Always carry an instant puncture repair , these are canisters which will pump a special liquid into you wheel allowing to drive somewhere safe before dealing with the puncture. Indispensable!

• Do not accept help from motorists at the roadside If you are approached tell them you have called the police and they are on the way . Do not offer assistance to roadside breakdowns if you are alone, instead call for assistant for them. If you have no choice, stop another motorist before you provide assistance. It could be a good Samaritan type trap .