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Tips for driving alone make trips safer

As dark descends on us earlier during the next few months, you may find yourself leaving work after sunset - and heading to your car alone in darkened parking lots or garages.

Studies indicate - and our instincts may hint to us - that one out of three violent crimes occurs on streets, in parking lots, or in garages. Women who drive alone often are primary victims of those crimes.

No matter when or where you drive, you can lower the risk of being a crime victim by taking a few basic precautions:

• When leaving work at night and a security guard is available, ask one to escort you to your car. If security guards aren't available, try to leave at the same time as a co-worker.
• Keep your car doors locked at all times, even when you're driving.
• Park in well-traveled, well-lighted places. Check for suspicious characters before you park, then again before you unlock your door. If you're nervous for any reason, stay in your car and drive elsewhere.
• Think ahead. Plan the safest route, even if you have to drive a little longer to stay on well-traveled, well-lit streets.
• Lock your car, even if you're away from it for only a few minutes. When you return, have your keys ready in your hand. Glance into the front and rear floor areas of your car to make sure no one is there.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker or stranger. You can't tell a person's character by appearances - and criminals know it.
• If you think you're being followed, stay on busy streets. Make frequent turns to see if the other car does the same. If you're still suspicious, drive directly to a police station, firehouse, busy store, or gas station - never home.
• Keep your car in good running condition. Always keep your gas tank at least half filled. Check your tires often.
• If your car develops mechanical problems, keep driving (slowly on a flat tire) until you reach help. If your car won't run (or won't move at minimum speeds on highways), put on emergency flashers and tie a white or yellow cloth to your antenna to alert police.
• If your car breaks down on a busy street or highway, set out flares, which usually are in safety kits that also should include at least a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, tow company phone number, and Mace (where legal). Then stay in your car with the doors locked. Don't try to hide - the police may assume you're not there and move on.
• If a stranger comes by and offers aid, politely ask for identification, then ask him or her to call for assistance. If you feel the stranger can help, unlock your hood from the inside. Don't get out of your car.
• If someone claims to be a police officer, check for a police car. If the car is unmarked, look for flashing lights. See that a uniformed officer is wearing a well-fitting uniform with a visible shield. Ask a plainclothes officer for photo identification.