The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that there were 5,930,496 police-reported crashes in 2022, or around 16,248 per day. This is a staggering number to say the least. Because of this, you always need to be a cautious and defensive driver when on the road to avoid any car trouble.
However, a vehicle accident is not the only danger you face when behind the wheel. There are numerous scenarios where you can become a victim of property theft, aggravated assault, a well-acted insurance scam, or even a violent carjacking. But you don’t always have to be the helpless victim in these scenarios. In fact, when you quickly identify and heed the red flags around you, you’ll be able to drive home safe and sound.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Avoiding Road Rage
Although road rage incidents are viewed as entertainment when scrolling through your phone, when you’re in one, it can end badly for you. However, if you heed some easy-to-follow tips, you’ll get home safely. First, stay alert to the road around you and identify possible problematic drivers. These impatient people tailgate, swerve dangerously between cars, and try to “push” their way through traffic. They also drive fast and without care for others. Naturally, try to avoid them altogether.
If that’s not possible, try to distance yourself as much as possible so as not to be the center of their own chaotic world. It’s essential not to go back and forth with an angered driver with profanity or hand gestures, as this will only add fuel to the fire. Instead, ignore them and stay calm, but stay alert so you’re not caught by surprise if they do something drastic.
If you’re doing your part to diffuse the situation, but it’s intensifying, then call the police and report the incident. Many times, just keeping your ego in check and letting a road rage-filled driver pass you will end a conflict quickly and without injury.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Beware of Insurance Scams
Insurance scammers are running rampant in today’s world, and you need to be cautious when on the road. There isn’tjust one vehicle insurance scam, but numerous in many forms, and you need to be sharp to distinguish them from legitimate accidents. Versions include the “Swoop and Squat”, the “Panic Stop”, and the “backup Scam.”
These scams are all variations of a set-up vehicle accident in which the perpetrator stages the crash and proceeds to blame the unwitting victim. The best practice is to be alert and always drive defensively. To combat potential scams, consider installing a dash camera in your vehicle. These days, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install yourself.
You should also call the police for every accident, even minor ones. A seemingly friendly and cooperative person at the accident scene may make false claims about the incident to the police after you leave the area, putting you in serious legal trouble.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Gas Stops Can Equal Car Trouble
Gas stations are a mixed bag. Some locations these days are mini marketplaces, offering food and non-stop activity, and are relatively safe for visitors. However, others are rundown, dark at night, and lack many patrons. It should go without saying that you need to make a judgment call on whether to stop at a suspicious station or not. If it’s not an emergency, then move on to another that offers a safer overall feel.
Don’t let your tank get too low before stopping for gas. Have some fuel left in case you need to move to another station. If you must stop, however, be sure always to scan your environment for anything out of the ordinary. Stay off the phone when pumping gas. Any distraction, even for a moment, can bring trouble your way. Always lock your car doors when you leave your vehicle and keep the keys in your pocket. If not, some thieves are experts at jumping into an unlocked car and simply driving off, leaving you stranded and confused.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Finally, if you are approached by someone coming towards you, speak loudly to ask them what they need before they get too close. Asking for some change or a cigarette may be a distraction tactic by them to get close to you to do you harm. If they don’t stop advancing, stop the pump, and get into your vehicle quickly and go. Trust your instincts and you’ll be safe, and not another statistic.
Getting CarJacked
It’s no surprise that being aware of your surroundings is at the top of the list to avoid a carjacking. A carjacker, put, is someone who steals your vehicle either forcibly or with the threat of force (usually with a weapon brandished). Naturally, you should always stay alert, refraining from distractions like your cellphone, wearing earphones, and eating lunch (yes, many people eat a packed lunch in their vehicles while driving).
Always keep your doors locked and windows up when possible. When stopped at a light, a would-be carjacker can jump into an unlocked vehicle and basically hold the driver hostage. Additionally, when parked or stopped, be wary of people approaching your vehicle. Never hesitate to drive away when your instincts tell you something is wrong. “Feeling bad” for someone and letting them get too close in this circumstance is a great way to get yourself injured or killed.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
While on the road, keep a manageable distance between you and other cars. This way, if there is a threat of a carjacking, you have space to move and react, rather than being boxed in and helpless. Remember, no plan is foolproof to avoid car trouble, but the more difficult you make it for them, the better chance they will pass you by.
Don’t Pick Up Strangers
If you wouldn’t let a stranger into your home, why would you pick one up and drive them to their destination? There are many danger factors involved when picking up a hitchhiker. Naturally, they could be a dangerous person with the intent of harming you. No matter if you’re a male or female, they can pull a knife or gun and order you to drive to a secluded location.
There, they could rob, rape, beat, or even kill you. The fact is, you don’t know, and like Russian roulette, you’ll never know when your luck has run out. Also, don’t let your heart win because the hitchhiker appears frail, harmless, or seemingly plagued by bad luck. Scammers know how to manipulate you. Don’t let them. If it seems that they are injured or have another type of emergency, call the police for assistance.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
A second issue would be if the hitchhiker were wanted by law enforcement, and you became their unknowing accomplice when you picked them up. Avoid any legal entanglements and keep driving. Finally, if you are involved in an accident and a hitchhiker is in the vehicle, your insurance claim could become more complicated, with liability depending on the circumstances.
Be alert at all Times
If there is one key takeaway from all these vehicle-related troubles, it is that you need to be alert at all times. Whether it’s being a defensive driver, identifying a possible scam in the works, or keeping an eye on unsavory people at the pump, staying in tune with your surroundings can prevent vehicle incidents from occurring.
This means lowering your music, unplugging your earphones, or not eating your lunch on the expressway. Distractions not only can cause accidents for you but also leave you open to so much more “car trouble” that can truly ruin your day.
