TRAVEL SAFELY

Your holiday or bussiness trip can be spoiled by unfortunate incidents. This happens every day all over the world. If you follow the following hints, the risk should be minimised.

BE PREPARED

Keep luggage to a minimum-if you are over burdened you are an easy target

Keep air tickets, travellers cheques, other valuables and reserve cash in a money belt under your clothes. Only keep cash for immmediate use in a wallet

Rent a cell phone and familiarise yourself with emergency numbers

Obtain a reliable map and plan your routes well

ON THE ROAD

Use courtesy buses instead of public taxis

Hire a car with air conditioning and a central locking system

See to it that your vehicle is in good condition and that you have enough fuel before you depart.

Have your keys ready when you approach your car, and always look inside the car before you get in.

Always lock the doors of your vehicle even when you are driving. Never open your window more than five centimetres.

Avoid stopping in remote or dark areas.

Be alert at traffic lights and stop streets.

Remember to lock the boot of the car. However, remember a boot is not a safe. Valuables should be in safe keeping or under your control.

If approached by a stranger when you are in the car, lean on the horn and drive away.

Under no circumstances should you give strangers a ride. If flagged down for assistance, drive to a police station to report it.

If you are lost, drive to a well-populated area and consult a map. Avoid informal settlements.

Know the route you are about to travel. Gather information about the possible danger points and avoid it.

If your car is bumped from behind, drive to the nearest police station for help.

Look around before entering a drive way. If you see someone lurking in the area, call the police.

Keep your keys ready when you approach your home and enter immediately.

If hijacked, move away from the vehicle and do not argue or resist. Keep your hands where they can see them. They are just as nervous as you are.

IN THE STREET

Try not to walk in remote places at any time. Stay in well lit areas among people.

Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid alleys and bushes.

If people approach you or start milling around, move away, it may be a robbery attempt.

Never overload yourself with parcels, you will become a target.

Carry a self defence spray or a stun gun and do not hesitate to use it when you are in danger.

Do not carry large sums of money. Carry your wallet under your clothes with the money for immediate use loose in a front pocket.

Avoid wearing jewellery in the street.

Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Avoid travelling alone.

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