Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

Depending on where you are located geographically, you may encounter special circumstances when driving during the changing seasons.  Many parts of the country are now experiencing rain, snow, fog and an increase in deer traffic – all which make driving potentially hazardous.  Additionally, along with the rise in holiday road traffic we see a rise in opportunity to be stranded along the road.

If you have not already had your vehicle winterized, now is the time to do so.  Ensure tires have enough tread, fluids and brakes are properly working and schedule a tune up if it has been a while.  Also, keep a set of jumper cables and a blanket in your vehicle.

If you break down on the road –

The obvious answer would be to call someone for help.  With the advent of cell phones, being stranded on the road is not as much of a concern.  So, what happens if you do not have a cell phone or if your battery is dead or you cannot get a signal? Then what will you do?

If the breakdown occurs along a well traveled highway, attempt to notify motorists with the use of highway flashers and by raising the hood of your vehicle. With luck, another driver will come along and provide assistance.  However, you should avoid getting into any vehicle that happens along.  Instead, ask the driver to summon assistance for you.  Provide them with the number of someone you trust.  If a true emergency exists and you elect to accept a ride, make note of the license plate number of the Samaritan’s vehicle—along with other information such as time and direction headed—and leave it in your vehicle where it is easily located.

Should the breakdown occur on an isolated stretch of highway, stay with your vehicle. Again, raising the hood is a universal signal indicating trouble or assistance is needed.  Additionally, in these situations nothing can be more important than a personal survival kit that remains with the vehicle.  Nutritional food, water, warm clothing and first aid essentials are the minimum items to include. 

Deer Crossing –

The change of season also brings about a change in travel patterns for deer.  Note deer often travel in groups, therefore if you see one, chances are favorable there are others nearby.  You must be vigilant while you are driving, particulary during darkenss or periods of reduced visibility.  Remain vigilant and scan the sides of the road often, looking for the reflection in the deer’s eyes.  Sometimes they jump out so quickly you do not have time to react.  However, if you do see a deer standing near the side of the road, slow down.  Do not try to swerve to avoid hitting the animal – as this could cause you to potentially roll your vehicle and cause more damage.

Reduce speed gradually while maintaining control of your vehicle.  Be mindful of vehicles to your rear, as they may not expect breaking. Doing so may avoid being rear-ended.  Also, be aware that many states require law enforcement notification in the event you have a collision with a deer.

Winter brings about seasonal change that requires preparation to weather it safely.  Take stock of what you need to accomplish to be safe while traveling the nation’s winter roads this holiday season.  Be Safe!

We last discussed important points to consider when returning to your vehicle after a day of frenzied holiday shopping. Consider your vehicle a mobile safe haven; it protects you from the elements and provides a degree of safety and security from physical threats. This exemplifies the importance of knowing exactly how to reach it safely after exiting buildings and equally important not to step out from it too hastily. Consider the following when heading out on your shopping spree.

Most of us truly look forward to the year-end holiday celebrations but often dread the hectic pace that leads to them. Even the most affluent shopper will snatch up a bargain given the opportunity to do so. And so, it is the quest for that perfect gift that leads us into unfamiliar territory. Often times we drive enormous distances to a cross-town location that offers that last chance of having that one special gift remaining on the shelf or in-stock—we never give a second thought that it is a part of the city that we infrequently visit. Thus, we venture onto unfamiliar turf.

This in and of itself is not reason enough to avoid the drive altogether, but it does require an understanding of the tools we possess that can aid our security in these instances. Remember your “mobile safe haven?” Just as we acknowledged the importance of returning to your vehicle in the safest and direct manner, it is equally important to survey the surrounding area before stepping from it.

After arriving at your destination, spend a few moments in the relative safety of your vehicle and decompress from having just shared the highway with highly motivated bargain hunters like yourself. Use this time to gather your thoughts and plan your movement to the building you will need to enter. Also, be watchful for the surrounding norms—things that seem as likely occurrences. Scrutinize the areas you will need to cross through to reach your destination. Once you have determined that the area appears safe, then and only then should you unlock your door and proceed to make the purchase that will put a smile on the face of someone special.

Holiday shopping can be a joy. It also is a time to recall our blessings and give thanks for our relative safety and security. Enjoy the spirit and Be Safe!

As retail shoppers come out in droves, finding parking spaces becomes more difficult.  It’s a familiar scene to see shoppers driving round and round in circles, up one aisle and down another just hoping a parking spot will open up.  Below are some practical tips to help you avoid potentially dangerous mistakes.

Light At Night

All too often we try to find the parking place closest to the store.  However that is not necessarily the safest place.  Most parking lots are (or should be) well lit.  If at all possible, park next to the light post.  This serves three useful purposes.  First, it will give you a reference point when returning to your vehicle.  Secondly, it will provide illumination for you to quickly and safely enter your vehicle; and lastly, any would-be attackers do not want to be seen.  They are far less likely to target a vehicle under a light.

Back In—Drive Out

Sure it may be easier to pull into a parking space; however it’s safer to back in.  Take few extra moments back in so that your departure will be quick and effortless.  If you encounter anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in the parking lot, you want to proceed to your vehicle, lock the doors and exit the premises as quickly as possible; backing in allows you to do so.

In Open Air, Remember Where

Whether in a shopping mall or mega store with multiple entrances, it’s easy to become preoccupied on your way out of the store. Prior to entering the building, make a mental note of your parking space and its relation to the door you enter.  If you don’t exit through the same door you’ll not only have a harder time locating your vehicle, but you’ll also increase your vulnerability since you will likely have a longer trek to your vehicle.  The shortest route between two points is a straight line, albeit avoiding obstacles and threat areas.  If you find yourself having to walk around the side of the building in order to return to your origination point, you are more likely to become preoccupied with locating your vehicle - a major distraction that lowers your vigilance to the surrounding area.

Ignore Bad Manners

We have all experienced a greedy driver ’snake’ into the parking space you were patiently waiting for.   No doubt that it is frustrating.  However rather than escalate your blood pressure over it, take a deep breath and simply look for another parking place.  Odds are the spot you were waiting for wasn’t near a light post or wouldn’t have afforded you the opportunity to back into it easily.  Rather than let it rob you of your joy, move on and look for a better more suitable parking spot.  Be Safe!

As parts of the country are waking up to frost covered windshields and piles of rich golden leaves, we are reminded of the upcoming holiday season.  For those who are still running their air conditioners, all one needs to do is take a visit to your local retail establishment to see holiday décor already lining the aisles.

In this age of harried lifestyles it’s imperative to slow down long enough to put your personal safety first.  All too often the “it won’t happen to me” and “I’m too busy” mentality takes over.  This month DCI is addressing tips and precautionary measures to aid with your personal safety and security during the forthcoming holiday season. 

Are Your Hands Free?

This is an important question to consider prior to exiting the relative security of the shopping mall. Leaving shopping centers at night can leave you especially vulnerable.  Often times, many of us will be laden with shopping bags, purses and children in tow, which makes an enticing target of opportunity for would-be attacker harboring in the shadows. Remaining alert to this vulnerability is key to your safety and security. When possible, keep all items in a shopping cart and use it to transport items until you reach your vehicle.  Better still, if shopping with a friend or adult family member, have someone wait near the entrance/exit while the other drives back to the meeting location. This affords an opportunity to load the kids and purchases without over exposure to threats.  Moreover, this brief separation of the adults provides ‘Over-watch’ of one another and enables one or the other to spot trouble and summon help, if needed.

In the event a physical threat materializes while your hands are not free – your voice will become your best initial defense.  First of all – make some noise!  Screaming like a banshee at the top of your lungs will draw attention to yourself and the situation in progress.  People can’t come to your aid if they don’t know there is a problem.

While you are screaming, unless your cargo includes a small child you should immediately drop whatever possessions are in your hands.  Now is not the time to think of that collectible glass item – drop whatever you have so that you are unencumbered and make every attempt to break free of your attacker.  Remember, plan ahead to avoid shopping during hours of darkness and unfamiliar neighborhoods when at all possible.  Take the steps now to make your holiday shopping enjoyable and safe.