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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