Today we will talk about travel safety which encompasses many different things a traveler should consider. Whether traveling abroad or to the grocery store for milk the basic principles should be adopted.

Every vehicle whether personal of commercial should contain the following items: A Spring Punch (glass breakage tool) to be used in the event your vehicle becomes submerged in water or you become trapped inside a vehicle after a automobile accident. Your safety kit should also include a knife to cut the seatbelt off in an emergency, can of air for a flat tire, tire repair kit, flashlight with extra batteries, nap-alarm, blanket, granola bars, cell phone, CB radio, fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit. None of these items should be stored in the trunk. If you can not get to the trunk they will do you no good.

In the event you slide or drive into a pool, river or lake you will handle the submerging in one of two ways. First if the vehicle is sinking slowly the driver and passengers should remove their seatbelts and roll the windows down and exit. Do not worry about personal affects as they are replaceable. If the vehicle is sinking fast the water pressure will prevent you from opening the door and time will prevent you from rolling down the window. Wait until the water rises halfway up the glass. This allows the water pressure on the outside of the vehicle and inside the vehicle to balance evenly. When the water reaches the halfway level roll the window down, you may get a surge of water however you won’t get knocked against the dash or pinned under the dash with rushing water. Take a deep breath and swim to safety.

In the event you suspect your vehicle is on fire you should turn your hazard lights on and pull over immediately. If possible, park in an area away from people or buildings. Pay close attention to oncoming traffic and road conditions when exiting the vehicle. Direct passengers away from the vehicle off the road and away from traffic, call 911 if it is determined a fire exists. If you do not call and attempt to extinguish the fire you may become incapacitated and unable to seek help. If the fire is extinguished you can contact 911 and cancel the emergency call. Fires are started with three elements heat, fuel and oxygen. You should never raise the hood on an automobile because this adds oxygen to the fire. Popping the hood open and shooting the fire extinguisher in the small gap can put out small fires under the hood in some cases. Remember do not open the hood. Observe the ground for leaking oil or fuel. If the fire is located at the back of the vehicle you will more than likely not extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. Be familiar with how a fire extinguisher works and what are it’s capabilities. An ABC extinguisher is good because it works on woods, papers, leathers and liquids such as oil and gas as well electrical fires. Remember contents such as hair spray or other items that are contained with pressure can become projectiles and explode. If ever in doubt step back into a safe area call 911 and let them take responsibility.

The CB Radio is great if your cell phone reception is bad in the event of an emergency. A nap alarm is a great safety tool when traveling great distances, simply place it on your ear like a blue tooth and if your head tilts down from falling asleep at the wheel a subtle alarm goes off to alert you.

When traveling, if you feel you are being followed first lock your doors and roll up all your windows. If you are on the freeway stay on it as long as possible. Stay calm, most stalkers operate based on fear. The key is to stay moving avoid intersections which may force you to stop at light or stop sign. Stopping gives room for an attack or for you to be the victim of a car jacking. If told to leave your vehicle by a thief, don’t stall or ask questions surrender your vehicle. Quick motions for a purse may make the assailant feel threatened so watch your movements when faced with a car jacking.

If there is no traffic or signals forcing you to stop while being followed make three consecutive right hand turns and if the vehicle is still behind you and you are certain you are being followed proceed to a police station or a populated location such as a mall where there is visibility, while in route to your safe zone call 911 follow their instructions. They will probably ask for name, location and do you know the stalker. Try to observe as much as you can about the stalker, the vehicle and any occupants within the vehicle without alarming the stalker. When talking to the 911 operator speak slowly and clearly, they will probably tell you to proceed to a police station. Always assume the worst and take all precautions until you have verified that you and your passengers are safe. When being stalked by anyone never go home or to a place of employment doing so could create room for more stalking. In most instances once you arrive at a populated area the stalker will leave. When at intersections or at a restaurant drive thru do not allow yourself to be pinned in between vehicles. When in unfamiliar locations, always have your windows rolled up and your doors locked when using drive through services at night or where there is heavy pedestrian traffic.

Travel safety is important, thorough preparations reduce the likelihood of an incident. In the invent of an incident an action plan with safety equipment reduces the chances of property damage, theft, and personal injury and prepares you to respond in critical situations.