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REALTORS spend a considerable amount of time on the road. And when we're in our car that much, bad luck is bound to strike sooner or later. Whether you're faced with a dead battery or a rear-end collision in heavy traffic, you can prepare yourself to handle problems "on the road" in a smart, safe way that will minimize your risk of injury or crime.
Let's take a look at some of the dangerous situations we may drive ourselves into, and the best route to safety:
Flat Tires & Breakdowns
Have you ever been in this scenario? It's late at night, and you're driving on a lonely country road that's dark and desolate. You know in an instant that something's wrong. Controlling the vehicle becomes increasingly difficult and you ease the car to the side of the road.
Getting out, you see that the left rear tire is flat and you're already running on your spare. If you're lucky to have an account with an Auto Club and you're getting a signal on your cell phone works, or you're driving a car with OnStar, help is only a phone call away. But if that's not the care, you're either faced with having to hail a passing motorist or spend a night in the boonies. That is, unless you have a well-stocked emergency roadside kit in the trunk of your car.
When it comes to commuting or traveling any lengthy distance, a roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road and being stuck for a long period of time-possibly in a dangerous situation. Every vehicle should be packed with a roadside emergency kit; yet most of us never carry any of the basic items to help get back on the road quickly and safely.
A basic roadside emergency kit should contain two roadside flares, quart of oil, small first aid kit, extra fuses, flashlight, pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl), tire inflator, tire repair kit, rags, pocket knife, pen and paper and a help sign. You should also keep blankets and warm clothes in your car and rain gear if you live in a rainy climate.
But having the emergency kit is only half the solution: Make sure you know how to use the tools, how to add oil and windshield wiper fluid to your car, and how to inflate a tire and, ideally, how to change a flat tire by yourself.
Accidents happen
Another car rear-ends you at a red light ... or backs into you in a parking lot ... or skids into you on a slippery road. Most of the time it's a real accident, but sometimes an apparent accident can be a scam to get you out of your car. Be wary any time someone hits you-but more importantly, if you hit someone else who appears to have done something to cause you to hit them. That means the car in front of you slams on their breaks with no warning.
If you have to get out of the car keep an eye on your belongings and on your vehicle. And keep your keys and your pepper spray in your hand.
Don't leave the accident scene before police arrive, and if the other driver tries to leave, get the license number of his vehicle and report it to the police when they arrive.
Use your cell phone: depending on when the accident happens, you may need to call someone who's expecting you to let them know you'll be late. This is always a good idea, as well as giving a colleague, friend or family member your location so they can meet you at the scene. You may want to inform your office, as well, so they know where you are. You'll want to call your insurance agent, and possibly your attorney. You can do all of this from inside your vehicle, where you're safer.
Be Prepared with a Roadside Assistance Plan
We all know we're supposed to keep your car in good working order. But we're busy. We all neglect these errands from time to time. Many newer cars will remind us of scheduled maintenance. Don't ignore these warnings.
If you don't have a roadside assistance plan of some type, I recommend you get one. Road service clubs such as AAA, some cellular service providers, insurance companies, and automobile manufacturers offer roadside assistance. Some are very reasonably priced. These can be invaluable when you need help with a flat tire, mechanical failure or a dead battery.
Keep in mind, once you phone for help, you'll still be waiting for some time before it arrives. If you're stuck on the road, what should you do to remain safe during this time? If your engine is working, keep it running and run the air conditioning (or the heater, depending on the weather). If the engine is disabled, roll down the windows if it's hot and stay inside the car. Once outside, you're more vulnerable to attack. If you have power windows and they won't operate, open the door, but keep the other doors closed and locked so someone can't jump into the other side of your vehicle.
Staying safe on the road can be simple, as long as you are prepared. One more piece of advice: always stay alert to your surroundings and follow your gut instincts! If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't!
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