good motoring
Safety and survival measures
H. Kishie Singh 

Ladies, beware! When my wife has to go to the ATM, she goes when the crowds are in the corridors. "Why not go early morning," I suggested. "The parking lots are empty and no waiting at the ATM."

"It is not safe," she said. "There are louts loitering around. Street urchins are sleeping in the corridors, and they all know that anyone coming out of an ATM is carrying cash. Why invite trouble? And ladies are a soft target!" A very soft target with cash.

Sound strategy. Based on these observations, it would be a good idea to go during busy hours to the ATM. If you have to go early morning or late evening, make sure you have a male companion.

So here is one spot where trouble lurks for unsuspecting ladies. Women, by nature, are mild mannered, not given to road rage, or beating up people, which is why they are soft targets.

Here are some thoughts that may help you avoid trouble when you go shopping. First, fashion may have to take a back seat. Your handbag is a prized possession. Think what it holds. Money, credit cards, driving licence, cell-phone, keys to the house, your cupboards. Maybe a cheque book, passport and a whole bunch of unnecessary items.

Your "going-shopping" bag should be strong with zippers to close it. Should it fall down in a scuffle while being snatched, things will not spill out. The handle should have loops big enough for your arms to slip through. This way you can snuggle it under your arm. The safest place.

You will make a great lifestyle and fashion statement of a smart thinking lady. Carry the minimum amount of cash, may be just one credit card and no driving licence. If stopped by the police, your registration certificate is enough ID, and it is in the glove box. Some people carry PAN cards, citizenship cards and sometimes a passport. These are very valuable items and quite unnecessary to carry around every day.

Look at the items in your handbag right now. Could you live without them for the next couple of hours? Loss of the cell-phone will turn your world on its ear. You can't even call for help. Lighten your load. Get rid of non-essentials and some essentials you don't need on a daily basis.

If it is evening and dark, ask the shop owner to get someone to carry your shopping to the car.

If you are alone, walk briskly, key in hand. Don't stand next to the car and zip open your handbag to fumble for your key. This is the moment the baddie is waiting for — an open handbag and your mind on the key and not your personal safety. If there are a number of people hanging around your car, be extra cautious. If necessary, seek help. There could be a guard or a policeman; even the parking lot attendant will accompany you.

Once in the car, lock your door immediately. This is the moment an intruder waits for. He will just open the passenger door and slide into the seat. And it won't even attract attention from the general public.

What to do? It is your turn to attract attention. Flash your lights, blow the horn, lower your window and yell for help. Scream! You will be pleasantly surprised how loud a female voice can be. After you have locked the door, move off. Don’t fiddle with the music system. This is no time to look for CDs or make phone calls. A moving car is seldom a target.

If you go to an evening party and have to park on the road, try and find a streetlight to park under. This may not be possible; so make sure your interior roof light works. The minute you open the door, the interior will be illuminated. Check to see if anyone has broken into the car. The rear seat floor would be the ideal hiding place.

Happy motoring.