Happy Friday and let me officially welcome you to the fall. This season is actually my favorite time of the year. The humidity is gone and soon boot and sweater weather will be here. The only drawback about the cooler months is getting in and out of the car in cold weather. I especially dislike pumping my gas in the winter time, it’s chilly outside and worse than that, more and more it seems that even doing something as simple as pumping gas is becoming unsafe for us women. So this week ladies, gas pump safety is exactly what I want to talk about. Let’s start with a question:
Have you heard of ‘Sliders’?
Let me tell you what a slider is. It’s a person who slides into your car while you are pumping gas or paying for it, and while in your car they steal your purse, wallet or other valuables! I know!! Awful isn’t it? It’s amazing how brazen and bold these purse snatchers are. Police call these thieves ‘sliders’ because just like a Slinky they slide into your car below the level of the car door and snatch items off the front seat. I know here in Washington D.C. this has been an escalating problem, and they’re also seeing it in other parts of the country.
Another thing to watch out for: the hit and jack act. There has been a recent increase in people who will purposefully hit your car, and when you get out to look at the damage they will car jack you and drive off with your vehicle.
To combat these dangerous situations I have tips to keep you safe on the road and at the pump.
1) While pumping gas – TAKE YOUR KEYS with you and lock the car when you get out.
2) Roll the windows up when you get out of the car to pump gas.
3) Keep your valuables off the front seat in plain sight.
4) Stay alert and aware of your surroundings – don’t talk on the phone and pump gas.
5) If someone hits your car before you get out to assess damage call 911.
6) If you get out of the car, lock it and keep your keys with you at all times.
Wishing you safe drives all fall long!
XO
Dr. V