When driving in Hollywood and Florida, rear-end shunt collisions and T-bone accidents are not the only things you need to worry about. While you may feel safe inside your car, instances of carjacking, attacks in parking lots, and other criminal activity in and around cars are not unheard of.
You need to consider personal safety when driving in Hollywood and South Florida, especially if you often travel alone and at night. These tips can help:
1) Know your destination and route: Avoid getting lost by plotting your route before you leave. Be aware of any potential dangers and try to stick to well-lit streets where businesses will be open.
2) Tell someone where you’re going: Let someone know your route and when to expect you back so someone can raise the alarm if you’re not back on time.
4) Use central lock when inside the car: This will prevent anyone from forcing their way into your car when you are stopped.
5) Lock the car when you step outside your vehicle: You don’t want someone to gain access to the car while you’re away from it. Use keyless entry so you can get in and out of your car easily.
6) Park smart: Park in well-lit areas where there is plenty of traffic. Look for spots within sight of open businesses. In areas where you feel less safe, consider valet parking if it is an option.
7) Be aware when you step out of your car: Stay aware of your surroundings and look around to avoid becoming a victim of a pedestrian accident or attack.
8) Take a look around when approaching your car: Make sure there is no one loitering near the car and look for any suspicious activity. Have your car keys in your hand so you can get into the car quickly.
9) Never leave anything of value visible in your car: If you must keep a laptop, electronics, or anything of value in your car keep in locked in the trunk, where it will not be visible.
10) Do not leave interior lights on when driving in the dark: You will be more visible to any potential criminals.
11) Get tinted windows: Florida laws allows drivers in the state to have 15% on the rear windows and 28% on the front windows. Tinting makes it harder for potential criminals to see inside the car.
12) Use technology: Have your cell phone in your glove compartment so it does not cause a distracted driving accident, but keep in charged and within reach. If you need to, you want to be able to grab it and call for help. Consider installing a car alarm you can activate with your key fob or carry a personal alarm with you so you can alert others in case you need emergency help.
If you have been attacked in a parking lot or any public area, you may have a Hollywood premises claim. If you have suffered any injury due to a car or have been attacked and suffered injury, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a personal injury attorney.