| Whether parking with a private lot or anywhere in | | | | well-lighted public lot with supervision. |
| a metropolitan area, it is important to employ | | | | - Know the laws about metered parking. In some |
| safety measures so that you won't fall victim to | | | | places it is unlawful to park in a spot with time |
| car theft or vandalism. Oftentimes we are lulled | | | | remaining and not feed the meter. Also, it may be |
| into a false sense of security when we go out. | | | | illegal to feed your meter when it is expired (you |
| Even if we drive to the corner store, for five | | | | would have to move your car 500 feet and back |
| minutes to get bread, a lot can happen to your | | | | to reclaim the spot, unless another car is waiting |
| car. Here are some tips to consider the next time | | | | on it). |
| you must leave your car unattended for a long | | | | - Always make sure your spare tire is in good |
| period of time. | | | | condition in the event of a flat. It is a good idea, |
| - Always lock your vehicle when parking in public. | | | | too, to keep a can of "fix a flat" spray to get |
| With newer models, you have the luxury of lock | | | | you to a gas station just in case. |
| buttons that are difficult to pop. People with older | | | | - It is also good to keep a throwaway camera or |
| model cars with manual locks should see about | | | | cell phone camera handy, should you return to |
| having the buttons changed. | | | | your car and find it has been vandalized or |
| - Keep valuables out of sight (cameras, CDs, etc.) | | | | damaged. Take the pictures immediately for your |
| when you park your car. Never leave anything | | | | insurance claim. |
| exposed that might tempt somebody to break | | | | - Where possible, travel with a friend. |
| into your care. Better yet, if you don't need these | | | | - Keep a membership to an auto club in case of |
| items, best to leave them at home. | | | | theft or breakdown. In the event either should |
| - Park in well-populated, well-lighted areas when | | | | happen, stay in a populated area like a store until |
| you travel at night. Do you know the | | | | help arrives. |
| neighborhood? Is it a place you absolutely have to | | | | By parking safely, you stay safe to arrive home |
| be at that time? If yes, try to park as close to | | | | or your intended destination. |
| your intended destination as possible, or find a | | | | |