Dos and Don'ts For Automobile Safety

Don't drive a fancy, conspicuous car. When you rent a car in a foreign country, try to avoid an American make. Instead, select one that is typical of the cars that the locals drive. Also, consider renting a new car in each of the major cities that you'll be visiting. That way, for instance, you won't have a car with a Madrid license plate in the separatist Basque area.

Some car rental companies, and some countries, give special licenses to their rental cars. Or they might have a sticker somewhere on the car that identifies it as a rental car. This is a great help to thieves. If you have no choice but to rent such a car, you should either park it where there is no public access or empty your car of all valuables. That includes not leaving anything in the trunk.

Don't leave valuables such as a purse or camera or even a tote bag within view from the street. Don't wear jewelry or a watch that is visible from the street.

Keep car windows closed and doors locked while at a stop light. This is particularly important when in an urban area where a thief could come at you from the curb. Also at a stop light, and whenever stopped in traffic, always leave your car in gear in case you need to move quickly. Leave at least a half car length between your car and the car in front of you. Plan what direction you would move if someone on a motorbike broke a window and tried to steal something from within the car.

If at all possible, park off the street at night, in a garage that has an attendent. If you will be leaving valuables in the trunk of the car, make sure you place them there before arriving at your destination. That way no one will see you putting items into your trunk.

If you park on the street, try to park in the open, away from a kiosk or wall or shrubbery that could hide a potential thief.

If you'll be traveling in an area that is high-risk or in areas where an accident could get you into really serious trouble, consider hiring a car with a driver. And sit up front with the driver so you look like a guest of the driver and not a customer.