Volume 2, No. 27 May 31, 2002
Making a safe move By Gene Friedman With graduation right around the corner many students are facing a big question: "Is there life after college?" For many graduating seniors, the answer they are seeking is to be found far from home. This involves packing up all their worldly possessions and moving from Savannah. The usual mode of doing this is either in their own vehicle or with a rented truck or trailer. The next big question is, "How can I do this safely, without getting all of my possessions ripped off en route?" The answer to that one is actually a lot harder to answer than the first question. Unless you can stay with your vehicle the entire time during the trip, it is vulnerable. If the trip is a short one, this may not be a problem. On a long trip, another driver may be the answer. However, if you are the sole driver, there will be times when you will have to leave the vehicle unattended. You will have to eat, sleep, use the rest room. Then there are the times your back is turned as you pump gas or go to the cashier to pay for it. Interestingly, people who are safety conscious at home seem to forget about it when they travel. The bad guys, though, know that there are easy "scores" to be made on the road so they prey on unwary travelers. The first point to remember in order to protect yourself is to not let your guard down. Understand that bad things can happen anywhere. If you have packed your vehicle to the roof with all your possessions, the best thing to do is to cover them with a blanket or tarp. If someone looks into the car, all they’ll see is a lump with a covering. There will be no way to determine the contents or their value. This might deter the thief who would rather know in advance what he is stealing rather than taking his chances on breaking into a vehicle and finding a load of hay instead of valuables. If you have packed your trunk, be sure to back your vehicle against a wall when you park. This should be done even if you are leaving your vehicle for only a minute or two. At night, you should also park in a well-lighted or busy pedestrian area. The same holds true with a truck or trailer. All the other road safety rules still apply: Don’t pick up hitchhikers; if you break down, call for help (you should definitely travel with a cell phone); don’t trust the Good Samaritan who stops to assist; stay in your vehicle and roll your window down just an inch or two to speak to someone who approaches your vehicle; keep your vehicle fueled; don’t carry a lot of cash — buy traveler’s checks or use a credit card. When you do make that move, remember that crime prevention is a continuous process that should be employed whether at home or on the road. Friedman is the director of campus safety.
Home | Accolades | What’s the Buzz | Art and About | The Reel Deal Book Marks | On the Safe Side | The Bee Line | Classifieds | Contact the Chronicle | Chronicle Archives