Lifetimetv.com: What Should You Do?

FENDING OFF CARJACKERS

Approximately 50,000 carjackings happen each year in the United States. Most happen in one of three places: at a stoplight, at a gas station or in a parking lot. Don't leave yourself vulnerable to these attacks. If you are carjacked, stay calm so that you can think of ways to escape or call for help. Be prepared:

» Never get out of your car while your keys are in the ignition — not even for a second. This is an open invitation to carjackers.

» Using a cell phone is an easy way to alert others that you're in trouble. If you don't have one, you can leave a trail of notes: Write on a wall or a counter, or jot a message on a piece of clothing and drop it on the sidewalk or street.

» Look for small, wearable security devices that can track kidnapped individuals, such as the Digital Angel Product Line.

» For more information, consult the Los Angeles Police Department, the Crime Doctor and American Woman Road & Travel.

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