1. Lock your door and keep the windows rolled up. Always lock the doors when you park your car, no matter where you are or how brief a time you’ll be away.

2. Look around. Check the front and back seats and floors of your car before getting in.

3. Keep your car well maintained and the gas tank at least half full. This will lessen the chance of your being vulnerable on the highway.

4. If your car does break down, put up the hood and lock your doors and windows. Set out flares if you have them and use your cell phone to call for assistance. If a stranger stops to help and you don’t have a phone with you, roll the window down an inch or so and ask him to call police or a tow truck. (See chapter 18, “What to Carry in Your Car”).

5. Don’t drive home if you’re being followed. Go to a police station or a well-lit service station where you can use the phone. Never get out of your car unless you’re positive you can get inside safely.

6. Don’t pull over if someone tries to force you off the road. Get a description of the vehicle and write down the license number. Drive immediately to a police station or any open business and report the incident to the police.

7. Don’t stop if a passing motorist indicates something is wrong with your vehicle. Drive to a well-lit area with people around before stopping to check your car.

8. Don’t stop in an isolated area to help someone who appears to have a disabled vehicle. Drive to a phone and call for help instead.

9. Don’t stop for flashing headlights or another signal from another car unless you see the blue or red lights of a police vehicle.

10. Put your purse on the floor of the car while you’re driving. Leaving it conspicuously on the passenger seat could tempt a thief to break in and grab it.

11. Never pick up hitchhikers. Need it be said?