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It was a bright sunny December
morning and the time was perhaps 11.30. Neeraja Baheti, 31, a senior executive of an
export firm in Delhi, was on her way to a business meeting. As she neared the ever-busy
Patel Nagar crossing, the traffic slowed down abruptly and a three-wheeler hit her Matiz
from the rear. She says " I braked too, otherwise I would have hit the three-wheeler
in front". Immediately six persons including a woman surrounded her. Neeraja says she
was severely thrashed and abused by these people as she stepped out to check what the
matter was. They snatched her necklace and fled off the scene with her mobile.
Such incidents are a plenty. Many women
driving alone have faced similar situations. This and numerous other similar incidents
make it clear that our roads are not safe for the fair sex. This situation is not unique
to one city or the whole country, for that matter. It is common in developed countries
too. Most such attacks are premeditated. It is always right to adopt the policy:
"Offence is the best form of defence". Never give in to fear. Your boldness, in
majority of such cases, would ward off the ruffian elements. More than the physical
strength, it is your common sense and presence of mind that would help you in such
situations. Last week, a lady was returning from her office when her car was over taken by
a van, whose driver signalled as if something was wrong with her car. She thought of
stopping by the kerb and checking the car, but then better sense prevailed and she sped
away. Later, on checking she found nothing was wrong with her car.
 At times what is true for women drivers also holds
good for male drivers. Remember that a confident response to an apparently unsafe
situation would always work to your advantage. Most such situations are premeditated and
the nefarious plan can be disrupted by self-confidence. You should rely on your instincts.
Of course, by following a few tips you can ensure your safety on the roads. Keep your car
doors locked from inside and window-panes rolled up while driving. At red light crossings,
avoid getting into conversation with strangers who may want to know the directions. You
may sound discourteous, but it is unavoidable for your own safety.
Never give credence to what the drivers of
other vehicles may signal. If it is an emergency, you will any way come to know of it. If
you feel you are being tailed, drive to a crowded spot, where any thing untoward will be
immediately noticed. You can even drive straight to a police station. Keep your car well
maintained with sufficient fuel to avoid breakdown enroute. If your car breaks down
enroute, don't stop midway, drive slowly to a known service station. Don't keep your
purse, mobile or laptop on the front seat exposed to the eyes of passers by. If possible
don't drive alone, always have a companion with you.
Many such incidents also take place while you
are parking your vehicle. These too can, to a large extent, be avoided by taking some
precautions. Never park your car in a poorly lit area at night-time. If it is daytime
don't choose a deserted area to park your car. Take care not to park near walls, fences or
trees, as they could provide shelter to anti-social elements. Park your car in such a
position that in case you have to leave in a hurry, you can drive out fast. Don't leave
any valuables in the car, nor sort out your valuables in the parking lot. Lock your car
always when you leave it. Before you get back in to the car check the front and back
seats for any intruders. If you are leaving your car keys with the parking valet, ensure
that you hand over only the car keys and not your home keys. If you can install a remote
operated locking system in your car, it is an additional safety feature. Avoid buying
petrol during the dark hours.
While putting the luggage in the boot of your
car, stand at the sides so that you can see if some one approaches you from behind. If you
feel you are being followed, do not stop but call-up 100 in case you have a mobile at
hand. Otherwise note down the registration number, colour and make along with a
description of the driver of the vehicle tailing you and report it to the nearest police
station. If you have to leave your car for one reason or other lock all the doors and take
your valuables with you.
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