Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you at stop lights in case you must pull away quickly.
Keep your car in gear while stopped at intersections in order to avoid a dangerous situation if necessary.
Keep doors locked and windows rolled up while driving.
Always be aware of pedestrian traffic around your vehicle.
Don't pick up hitchhikers under any circumstances.
If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open service station, or other open business to get help.
If you often drive at night, or alone, consider a CB radio or cellular phone to make it easier to summon help in an emergency.
Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and that you have enough gas to get to your destination.
If someone is threatening you with a weapon, give up the vehicle — it's not worth your life.
Park Carefully
Park your vehicle in bright, visible areas with lots of people around.
Don't park your vehicle next to vans or campers as they block your vision.
Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking, this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow your vehicle.
If possible, park your vehicle in a lot where you don't have to leave your keys. If you have to leave your keys with a parking attendant, leave only the ignition key.
Don't leave a vehicle in unattended public parking lots for an extended period. A car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot than from the street or attended lot.
Remember, parking garages will protect your vehicle from the weather but not necessarily from thieves.
When Returning To Your Vehicle
Have someone accompany you to your vehicle in unfamiliar, dark, or isolated places.
Have your car keys in hand.
Check in and around your vehicle before entering.
Lock Up.
Lock all doors and roll up all windows whenever you leave your vehicle unattended.
Be sure vent or wind-wing windows are shut tight and locked.
Lock the trunk or tailgate.
Keep the vehicle registration in your wallet or purse, not in your vehicle.
Remove garage door openers from the vehicle.
Never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle, even while running a quick errand.
Keep car and house keys on separate key chains.
Never attach a tag with your name and address to your key ring. If the keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead the thief directly to your vehicle and your home.
Don't keep an extra key hidden anywhere on the vehicle.
Vehicle Burglary
Preventing thieves from breaking into your vehicle to steal valuables is very difficult. If you want to keep it, don't leave it in your car.
If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, never leave them in plain sight. Consider detachable cellular phones and stereos, then remove them whenever you are not in the vehicle.