When traveling in your car there are a number of things to keep in mind to avoid a self-defense situation. Probably the easiest thing to do is be aware of where you are. Avoid areas that may not look like you should be there. Abandoned residential or commercial areas or areas with massive graffiti are obviously areas to avoid. If you find yourself in an area like this, quickly turn around and backtrack to a better area.

Be aware of who is in the vehicles around you. Especially in slow traffic on city streets. Most car jackings are not performed on the freeway. They are performed on city streets where the assailant is able to either get out of another car or appear from the sidewalk area or come out of a building. Keeping your car doors locked while driving will help to avoid a car jacking. But if you can observe someone in another vehicle who could be a possible threat, get out of the immediate area by slowing down, speeding up or turning down another street. As you have no doubt seen on the evening news, a car jacking is not a self-defense situation you want to find yourself in.

Also related, be aware of someone continuing to follow you to your destination. Most home invasion robberies are perpetrated by the assailant following someone home and getting into the garage before the garage door is closed and secured. If you feel you are being followed drive to the nearest law enforcement office, fire station or public area. Make sure to stay in your vehicle until the vehicle following you is out of sight.

While we cannot live in paranoia, being observant can increase your safety and the safety of others. Try it the next time you are driving in your vehicle and see what you can learn. the number one rule of self-defense is awareness. Awareness of your surroundings at all times is key to your personal protection and defending yourself.