Ladies, your motor vehicle can be a prime spot for an attacker to target you. Therefore, you should be aware of the hidden as well as the obvious dangers so that you can avoid being that target of choice. Being cognizant of your surroundings is the key to protecting yourself whether you drive into a parking garage, a drive-through window at a fast food place or even a well-lit and secured parking lot in front of a police station. Danger is everywhere and being prepared for it is something you can control over.

1. Be at the ready with keys in your hand, even if you have a remote locking mechanism for your vehicle. Keys make for an excellent weapon and if you move quickly against an attacker, they will not be prepared for it. Having the keys in your hand and pointed outward gives you the advantage straight off in case of a confrontation.

2. Leaving your car and approaching your car are two elements of potential danger for you. Being aware of these two areas, you can take steps to ensure that you are covered safely. At home, park your car in a locked garage if possible. When parking on the curb or in a driveway is the only option, make sure the area is well-lit to remove that element of hiding for an attacker. If there are bushes or anything else that can obstruct your view around your car, remove them.

3. Never leave your car unlocked as this invites opportunities for an attacker to hide in your car. It doesn’t matter if you are just dropping off a movie in a drop box or running into the corner store for a drink, always turn off your car and lock it for safety.

4. Check inside your vehicle before you open it. An attacker could try and hide in the backseat waiting for the driver to come and start the car. It is the perfect opportunity to hold a knife to your throat or a gun to your head to get you to drive them somewhere, perhaps even somewhere isolated so you can be raped or carjacked. You might want to peer under the car as well, especially larger vehicles like SUVs, to ensure no one is hiding below.

5. Ladies, hide your purse in the trunk or at least under a seat so it is not visible should someone peer into your window when you are at a stop light or parked. If your window was open and the purse in your seat (as this often times happens) someone on a bike or motorcycle could easily stop by and grab it.

6. Keep your windows up and doors locked to avoid unwanted attackers trying to get into your vehicle. This just invites trouble to you, especially carjackers trying to find an easy mark.

7. Whatever you do, if someone is in your car and is holding a weapon on you, do not get into the car. Run away while you have the chance. Yes, there is a possibility that you could get hurt, but if you get into the car at gun or knifepoint, you will definitely not be leaving it unscathed. By running away, the only thing the criminal get is your car instead of your life.

8. Do not pull off on the side of the road whether it is a country road or a busy one just because someone is pointing and saying that your tire is low or flat or any other thing is wrong. This could be a ruse to isolate you and attack you or steal your car. Should this happen, nod and then pick up your cell phone as if making a call. The cell phone alone will usually deter someone from trying to hold you back as they might believe you are calling the authorities. In addition, you want to drive to the nearest public, well-lit area you can find (obviously police stations are good and even fire stations) as a safety measure.

9. If you are unsure about walking back to your car at the mall, parking garage or anywhere else for that matter, ask for an escort. Shopping malls and centers usually have security guards patrolling and will be happy to provide an escort to ensure your safety. If no one is available, ask a co-worker to walk with you or a last resort, called a loved one to pick you up.