I recently wrote this letter to my local news paper. I thought I would share it with you all as well.
Dear sir/madam,
I was dismayed to read the story covering Mr McClean’s unfortunate car jacking incident in Saturday’s Express & Echo.
Fortunately, such a thing is still a rare occurrence in Exeter but there are still a number of things that people can do to make themselves safer whilst on journeys. Self-protection is something that many people overlook, but which can make their lives a lot safer.
1. As soon as you enter your car, shut the door and lock it. Many people when getting into their cars leave their doors open so that they can lean forward and out to see the ignition key hole. Others will shut their doors but still lean forward and down in order to start their car. This means that a potential attacker can easily take them by surprise.
2. When in traffic, ensure that you stop far enough away from the car in front of you so that you can see their rear tyres on the tarmac. This means that if you need to pull out and away, you will be able to do so. If you are closer, then you will not have much room to maneuver (usually because the car behind you will prevent you from being able to reverse to get enough space to drive out.
3. Again when in traffic (and this especially applies to when you are on main roads or motorways), turn your wheels to the left. This means that should a car behind you not stop in time, that you will not be shunted into the car directly in front, but will be pushed to the left. It is obviously more beneficial to be in the inside lane so that you can be shunted onto the hard shoulder rather than into a car to your left.
4. When parking in a car park such as the Riverside Leisure centre, drive with your nose in. This means that, should anyone be waiting to attack you from the shelter of the arches, you can use your door to block them and either make your escape on foot or enter your car and drive away.
5. Never leave your window fully down when approaching stationary traffic. With most cars having electric windows, it takes little effort to raise the window whilst stopped and lower it once pulling away.
6. Never leave your valuables in plain view. Most robbers are opportunistic and will not waste time breaking in to a car that appears to have nothing of value in it.
7. Never leave your car during a road rage attack. Stay in your car and, if blocked in, attempt to get help by calling the police on your mobile, sounding your horn and catching the eyes of any witnesses. If you do not have a mobile, then shout for witnesses to call the police. Never assume that someone is doing it for you. Often people will think that someone else is calling for help with the result that no-one will.
All of the above are very easy to do and can all help make you safer on your journeys.
Regards
Matthew Sylvester
Matthew Sylvester is the Founder and Chief Instructor of Exeter Practical Martial Arts. If you are interested in classes please contact Matthew either through emailing him using epma@practical-martial-arts.co.uk, or by going to the club website at www.exeterpma.co.uk