If you’re ever forced to pull over to the side of a road because of a mechanical issue with your vehicle, it’s imperative that you know what to do to encourage safety. Not only should your vehicle be parked along the shoulder and out of the way of incoming traffic, but you also have to take steps to make sure you won’t be victimized by someone whose intentions are less than pure. A new report out of South Dakota explains how.
According to the Public Information Office of Sioux Falls, commuters should contact police to explain the situation whenever they’re along the road. Having a cruiser with its lights flashing can go a long way toward deterring would-be criminals.
While you wait for emergency assistance, lock your doors and flick on your hazards. At night, you should turn on your headlights so that other vehicles can see you and the area will be properly illuminated.
Hopefully you’ll have your cellphone on hand so that you can call for help if need be. Someone approaching your vehicle might be a good samaritan, but you don’t know that this is the case, especially on infrequently-traveled roads. If you’re not comfortable, stay in your vehicle and decline help at least until the police can arrive.
Finally, if you’re ever pulled over but have reason to doubt that the “officer” at the wheel is really a law enforcement official, call 911 and ask whether an officer is behind you.