Most Kenyans motorists drive madly at night during December holidays to attend family goat feasts, company end-of-year bashes and random binge parties. But driving at night comes with risks due to poor visibility and danger of being attacked. Here are 10 tips on how to drive at night this December... for your own safety:
1. Drive like a pregnant woman
Drive at a reasonable speed as it will help in spotting threats and reacting quickly.
2. Access denied
Doors should be locked at all times to keep off potential carjackers from slipping into your family jalopy.
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3. Consider having a back-up driver
Have a back-up driver to swap roles when you are fatigued during long journeys and for breaks. Having an extra pair of eyes helps keep the driver off the ditch.
4. Look out for suspicious cars
When you know you will arrive, or leave after dark, always ensure that the car is parked in a well-lit area. Park as close as possible to the nearest building and lock doors and windows.
Most carjackers want to steal quickly and leave the area as soon as possible. Use busy roads. Rarely will a carjacking happen in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Be alert.
To avoid falling prey to carjackers while driving, always try to be aware of the area of your destination. Know routes
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well and look out for suspicious cars trailing you. If you do, avoid driving to your home and instead, gas to the nearest hotel, public facility or police station.
5. Let robbers be
In case you are confronted by an armed carjacker, surrender. Don’ t argue. Don’ t fight. Life is more precious than a car which you will sell when a new model appears. Most carjackers are interested in the car. Not you.
6. Track it! Install a GPS car tracking device in case carjackers escape with your jalopy. This also helps police in their investigations.
7. Keep distance
Leave sufficient space for maneuvering between your jalopy and the one in front. If approached by suspicious
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9. When out shopping
After shopping and putting your grocery in the boot, move the jalopy to another section of the parking lot, or street before doing more shopping. A crook who has been tracking you will wait for you to come from a supermarket or store before pouncing.
By moving your car, you give the impression that you are leaving. If you have any suspicions that you are being followed, do not return to your car, but move to the safety of the shopping area or office building and inform authorities.
10. Beware of‘ friendly’ strangers
If you are in a parking lot or street and have trouble with your car, be wary of assistance from strangers and roadside mechanics who spring from the nearest bush. Call‘ Gachiri the mechanic’ or friend for help instead.
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