BE AWARE – The Car Park
Our last BE AWARE segment looked at keeping safe when it’s dark. Simple awareness strategies that anyone can adopt – no Martial Arts training needed.
Our next area for discussion is the CAR PARK. Here are 3 SAFETY TIPS that you can apply to improve your safety and awareness when it’s dark.
1️⃣Plan and Park Ahead:
Where you park now might look completely different in a few hours. Perhaps you’re parking in a spot with many other cars, in a few hours those cars might be gone – maybe workers are leaving, maybe the movie finishes soon and those people are heading home.
Do your best to find a parking spot close to the entry. While this isn’t always the case, it should be Rule 1.
2️⃣Keys Ready:
Most cars now have keyless entry – that’s great. If your car still requires you to use the keys (or you don’t trust your keyless entry), get your keys ready BEFORE you get to the car park.
By being ready ahead of time, you’ll be able to get into your car faster – no fiddling through your bag at your car. Once you’re in, locks your doors straight away and start your engine. If someone approaches, drive away. If you need to chat, wind your window down just enough to hear them.
3️⃣Stay in the Light and Stay Alert:
Walk in the middle of the car park where there is lighting – even if you have parked on the side. Approach the car from the middle so you have better vision of what is around you and your car. As mentioned in our second point, you’ll have your keys ready for quick access, lock the door and start the car.
Leave your phone out of your hands and be alert while walking through the car park. The goal is to NOT make yourself a target – that means no phone and no headphones.
Always remember to Stay Alert and Stay Active in scanning your environment.