Tag Archives: Driving

Don’t be a victim of car burglary! Did you know 1 out of 3 people will have their vehicle broken into this year?

How many times have you left valuable items in your car purse, wallet, gun, important documents, expensive electronics, etc.? Have you ever thought your car window would be smashed and your valuables gone?

Car Burglaries Happen all the Time

Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or RV, you need a secure place to lock the valuables you leave behind in your vehicle. It only takes seconds to break into a vehicle, and theft from cars is more common than you think. Thieves not only know your “hiding spots,” but you make their job even easier when things are left out in clear view of the car seat or the floor of your vehicle.

Most casual thieves lurking around beaches, hotels, parking lots, and other locations are looking for unattended property left inside a car. Often they use simple “tools of the trade,” like a knife or screwdriver, which are easy to hide inside a pocket. Both can facilitate entry into a wide variety of bags, doors, or even cars within a few seconds.

Safeguard Your Valuables Left in a Vehicle

Vehicle safes guard against break-ins and car burglary while providing peace of mind during those prolonged periods of time that you are away from your vehicle and you’ve left valuables in your car. Now, a caveat…given the right tools and enough time, most systems can be breached; however, most opportunistic thieves don’t carry suspicion alerting bolt cutters and hammers, and they certainly don’t have the time as they must strike quickly! A vehicle safe provides protection from these types of thefts by adding an extra layer of protection between a thief and your valuables. A vehicle safe protects your belongings and adds time that a thief needs to breach it.  Using a secure in-car safe is a must for heightened protection of valuables you leave in your car and for peace of mind.

Good Common Sense Advice to Help Prevent Car Burglary

Park in a good location
Park near other cars, park in a busy area where there are people. If parking at night, park in a well-lit area, look for lamp posts.

Keep windows fully closed
Roll up your windows all the way.

Keep a clean and empty-looking interior
A potential burglar will look inside a vehicle to see if there is anything tempting to take.

Hide valuables
Keep all valuables out of view.

Use a steal portable car-safe
If you must keep things in your car while you are gone use a vehicle safe.

Decide Which Type of Car Safe is Right For You

Gun Security

In- Car Safe

In-Car Safe Combo or Key Lock. Includes Steel Tether Cable

What do you do with your handgun when you need to go into a location that restricts your ability to carry it?  Do you place it in your car glove box, in the trunk, or hide it under your car seat? Doing so is highly irresponsible and, in some cases, illegal. You are responsible for knowing the law and acting accordingly as it applies to properly and safely storing your firearm.

Law enforcement officers, especially off-duty, frequently face the concern on how to properly and responsibly secure their weapons.  Many public venues such as concert halls, stadiums, and amusement parks will not allow anyone, including law enforcement, to carry a firearm inside. Protecting the safety of others begins with accountability, responsibility & obligation toward individual security, organization, and care of weapons and gear.

Each state (and many times counties within a state) has different laws pertaining to the proper storage and transportation of firearms (loaded and unloaded) in vehicles and other forms of mobile environments.  Prior to purchasing these safes, it is your responsibility to verify your area’s legal requirements.  If you are in violation of your area’s weapons laws, you risk a great chance of being arrested.

Portable/Mobile Safes

Various styles and sizes of portable safes offer protection from theft. Use them at home, office, dorm room or in your vehicle for security on the go. Place your valuables inside, lock closed using either a key or combo lock, and secure it to a car seat frame, exposed plumbing, bed frame or anything else. Select one to meet your needs for peace of mind.

In Car Safe – A portable, securable and affordable solution to secure your handgun or other valuables to a secure fixture in your vehicle, office, home, or hotel room multi-strand, braided steel cable is used to secure the portable in- car safe to a secure object.

Security Lock Box with Mounting Sleeve

Security Lock Box with Mounting Sleeve

Security Lockbox – What makes this Portable Security Lock Box different from all others is that it can be secured and easily removed from a steel mounting plate, which you bolt down in your vehicle, boat, RV, home, or office.  With multiple sleeves, you have the option to lock your valuables in various locations. It is built from diamond-plate steel in a black powder-coat finish with a stainless steel carry handle for easy transport to and from locations.

 

 

Transporter with Keyless Lock and Tether Cable

Transporter with Keyless Lock and Tether Cable

Transporter Portable Safe– A favorite among law enforcement and government agencies. Originally designed with the military and law enforcement professional in mind, the Transporter Portable Safe features a built-in retractable tether cable that allows it to be securely locked down virtually anywhere – inside or outside your vehicle. Vault is made from massive 12-gauge, cold rolled plate steel and engineered like nothing else in the industry. The Transporter features a built-in combination lock for easy keyless entry.

Permanent Style Vehicle Safe

Console Vault, Prevent Car Burglary

Vault is Hidden Form View When Console Lid is Closed

 

 

Few safes are truly permanent and bolt to the car. Console Vault – The Console Vault truck safe is designed to fit inside your existing console cavity using existing bolts so it won’t damage your truck or SUV. The Console Vault truck safe is completely hidden from view. Leased vehicles are not damaged in any way and allow the vehicle to be returned to the dealer in its original condition. Choice of various locks (combo or key) and is made from massive 12-gauge, cold rolled plate steel.

 

Take Steps to Prevent Car Burglary

Have questions or want some guidance on which style is right for you?
See even more safe styles for your valuables here.

Follow the above tips to minimize the chances of car burglary and even prevent it. And think about it: the cost of a safe is less than the cost of the hassle of lost valuables.

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An international driver’s license or international driver’s permit known as an IDP is a must if you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their driver’s license, road permit, and auto insurance requirements. The IDP allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country as long as you have a state-issued driver’s license. Over 150 countries recognize an IDP as valid for driving and as valid form of identification in 175+ countries.

Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver’s license. Most, however, accept an international driver’s permit. Before departure, obtain one at the local office of an automobile association, the links are below. You must be at least age 18, and you will need two passport-size photographs and your valid U.S. license. Certain countries require road permits instead of tolls to use their divided highways and will fine drivers without a permit. Do your research ahead of time.

The Benefits of An IDP

The IDP works as an official personal ID with a photo that is recognized by the countries that require it to drive, even if you’re not driving. Additionally, the document is required for renting a vehicle.

It is important for you to know that if you lose your wallet and driver’s license, many countries will not allow you to drive with just an IDP.

International Drivers Permit (IDP)

The best and easiest place to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) is from your local AAA club office. You will have to pay a fee, but it is usually less than $30.00.

When driving you must carry your regular driver’s license and well as your IDP license. The IDP is a “permit” and not a “license” and is only valid if it is paired with your state-issued driver’s license.

Make sure you read up on the driving rules of the country you are visiting, as many times they will be different than here at home. Some countries have a minimum and maximum driving age. Check the laws before you drive in any country.

International Driver's Permit, International driver's license

How Long is an International Driving Permit Valid for?

An IDP is good for one year. So ease your last minute pre-trip to-do list and apply for your international driver’s license up to 6 months prior to your trip.

Is an IDP Required to Drive in a Foreign Country?

Not every country requires an International Driver’s Permit but many do. For Example, in Europe, countries like Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Spain require the IDP.

What is the Cost to Apply for Each Permit?

Triple AAA has an application fee of $20 for each permit. You can apply via mail, you don’t have to go a branch to get a permit.

When to Apply for the International Driving Permit

It only takes a day to a few weeks to get the IDP. Plan ahead and get it a few months before you plan on driving. You can get your IDP issued within six months of your desired effective date.  For example, if you plan to travel on December 1, you can apply for the IDP on June 1 before December.

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit

There are only two authorized agencies that can issue an IDP.

Download the AAA IDP application

Download the AATA application

To apply for your permit, print out the form, fill it out, and follow all the instructions before mailing in. That’s it. Of course, you can visit your local office for either agency.

Geographical Areas Which Honor International Driving Permits (Convention on Road Traffic, United Nations,  Geneva 1949) as of May, 2015.

AFGHANISTAN*
ALBANIA
ALGERIA
ANDORRA*
ANGOLA*
ANGUILLA*/**
ANTIGUA*/**
ARGENTINA***
ARMENIA*
ARUBA
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRIA
AZERBAIJAN*
BAHAMAS
BAHRAIN*
BANGLADESH
BARBADOS**
BELARUS*
BELGIUM
BELIZE
BENIN
BHUTAN*
BOLIVIA*/***
BOSNIA
BOTSWANA
BRAZIL (Inter-American Driving Permit Only)
BRUNEI*
BULGARIA
BURKINA FASO
CAMBODIA (WAS KAMPUCHEA)
CAMEROON*
CANADA
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS*
CAYMAN ISLANDS*
CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.
CHAD*
CHILE***
COLOMBIA*/***
COMOROS*
CONGO, REP OF (BRAZZAVILLE)
CONGO, DEM REP OF (KINSHASA)
COSTA RICA*/***
COTE D’IVOIRE (IVORY COAST)
CROATIA*
CUBA
CURACAO
CYPRUS
CZECH REP.
DENMARK
DJIBOUTI*
DOMINICA*/**
DOMINICAN REP.***
ECUADOR***
EGYPT
EL SALVADOR*/***
EQUATORIAL GUINEA*
ESTONIA*
FIJI
FINLAND
FRANCE (INCLUDING FRENCH
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES)
FRENCH POLYNESIA
GABON*
GAMBIA
GEORGIA
GERMANY*
GHANA
GIBRALTAR
GREECE
GRENADA**
GUATEMALA***
GUERNSEY
GUINEA*
GUINEA-BISSAU*
GUYANA
HAITI ***
HERZEGOVINA
HONDURAS*/***
HONG KONG
HUNGARY
ICELAND
INDIA
INDONESIA*
IRAN*
IRELAND
ISRAEL
ITALY
IVORY COAST
JAMAICA
JAPAN
JERSEY*
JORDAN*
KAZAKHSTAN*
KENYA*
KOREA (REP.)
KUWAIT*
KYRGYSTAN
LAOS
LATVIA*
LEBANON
LESOTHO
LIBERIA*
LIBYA*
LIECHTENSTEIN*
LITHUANIA*
LUXEMBOURG
MACAO*
MADAGASCAR
MALAWI
MALAYSIA
MALI
MALTA
MAURITANIA*
MAURITIUS
MEXICO*/***
MOLDOVA*
MONACO
MONTENEGRO
MONTSERRAT*/**
MOROCCO
MOZAMBIQUE*
MYANMAR*
NAMIBIA
NEPAL*
NETHERLANDS
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
NEW CALEDONIA
NEW ZEALAND
NICARAGUA*/***
NIGER
NORWAY
OMAN*
PAKISTAN*
PANAMA*
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PARAGUAY***
PERU***
PHILIPPINES
POLAND
PORTUGAL
QATAR*
ROMANIA
RUSSIA
RWANDA
ST. KITTS & NEVIS*/**
ST. LUCIA
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
SAN MARINO
SAO TOME & PRINCIPE*
SAUDI ARABIA*
SENEGAL
SERBIA
SEYCHELLES
SIERRA LEONE
SINGAPORE
SLOVAKIA
SLOVENIA*
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
SRI LANKA
SUDAN*
SURINAME
SWAZILAND
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND*
SYRIA
TAIWAN
TAJIKSTAN*
TANZANIA
THAILAND
TOGO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO***
TUNISIA
TURKEY
TURKMENISTAN*
UGANDA
UKRAINE*
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UNITED KINGDOM
URUGUAY (Inter-American Driving Permit Only)
UZBEKISTAN*
VATICAN CITY (HOLY SEE)
VENEZUELA***
VIETNAM*
WESTERN SAMOA
YEMEN*
ZAMBIA
ZIMBABWE

*Not party of 1949 Convention: International Driving Permit Honored.
**U.S. driver’s license and International Driving Permit recognized on presentation to local police and payment of Special Registration Fee upon arrival.
***Geographical Areas Which Honor Inter-American Driving Permits (Convention on Regulation of Inter-American Motor Vehicle Traffic, Organization of American States, Washington, D.C. 1943)  as of January, 2009. If you intend to drive in the following countries, be sure to check INTER-AMERICAN DRIVING PERMIT box page 1: Brazil and Uruguay.

Maps, GPS and Getting Around

If possible, obtain road maps before you go or make sure your GPS or GPS app on your phone is updated to support your travel destination. Car rental agencies often have GPS units for rent for an additional fee if you don’t plan on using your phone.

Should You Buy Collision-Damage Coverage Even if Your Credit Card Provides It?

The insurance that car-rental companies offer overseas can be very expensive, sometimes it can be more than $20 additional or more per day. Most of the time your personal auto insurance will not cover a loss so you may have to obtain the additional insurance.   Remember you are a visitor to a foreign country and becoming involved in an accident is not the time to wonder if you have proper coverage.

When I am traveling internationally, in a place unfamiliar with laws and languages, I buy the insurance. But ask first whether the coverage is for all damages or only some. Some international car rental insurance covers only damages above a certain dollar amount so make sure to check the fine print.

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Rideshare safety is more than common sense. Use technology to keep you safe. You want to do your best to avoid uncomfortable and dangerous situations as a matter of habit. Luckily using a ride-share service like Lyft or Uber in a new place is just as easy and secure as it is at home. Review this suggested safety routine for trips you take here and then follow it when traveling too.

Rideshare Safety Tips for Travelers

  1. Request Your Ride From Inside
    Even if you have to step inside a place it’s a good idea to do so and to wait there for your driver. The objective is to minimize the time you’re outside alone with your phone in your hand. Go out when the app shows that your driver has arrived.
  2. Verify Your Ride
    Make sure you’re getting into the right car with the right driver. The app provides you the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate, and a photo of the driver that is picking you up. Make sure the vehicle and driver match to what is shown in your app. If they don’t match don’t get inside the vehicle, tell the driver you’ve changed your mind and go back inside.
  3. Have the Driver Confirm Your Name
    Before entering the vehicle ask the driver ” Who are you here to pick up?” The driver sees your first name in the app, so if they don’t know, again pass on the ride. The driver may, in turn, ask you to confirm their name too.
  4. Sit in the Back Seat
    Sit in the backseat, this gives you the option to exit on either side of the vehicle and keeps the situation more professional, especially if traveling alone.
  5. Buckle Up
    Using a seat belt is highly effective in reducing injuries and can be life-saving in the event of a crash.
  6. Share Your Trip
    Your Uber or Lyft app offers a feature to share your ride or trip status. Send a friend or family member your trip by clicking on this option, they will receive updates on your ride which includes vehicle information and an ETA.
  7. Don’t Share Personal Information
    Keep details about yourself, where you are staying and where and why you’re going somewhere to yourself.
  8. If You Find That You’re in a Situation Call 911 
    You can call 911 from the Lyft or Uber app. The apps show real-time location and vehicle information you can then share with the live 911 operator.
  9. Speak on Your Phone (or pretend to) so the driver thinks you’re connected with someone who is waiting for you at y our destination.

You can read more safety tips and advice or learn about how Uber and Lyft apps work. by visiting their respective websites.

Bonus tip: Verify that Uber and Lyft have operations in your destination(s). You may have to find another ride-share service that operates there and download their app. Do this before you travel.

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Want to drive when you get there? You should be able to, however, the laws governing car rentals do differ from country to country. Here’s an overview of what you need to know before you go and hit the road.

License/IDP
Most countries will accept your valid state driver’s license with another form of photo ID such as your passport. Some countries may also require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) which is available by visiting the American Automobile Association ( AAA). Check with an AAA travel office before you travel. You don’t need to take a test to get an International Driver’s Permit; all it does is explain (in a number of languages) the type of license you have, any limitations that apply and when it will expire. You don’t have to have an AAA membership to get an IDP from AAA. There is a small fee, but AAA is authorized by the US State Department to issues permits. For the small fee and inconvenience, it is worth having an IDP. And get it here before you go, don’t trust unauthorized sources particularly overseas. They may be scammers who charge you more and you’ll end up with a worthless and fake permit not recognized by the authorities in your destination countries. In these European countries: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, or Spain you’re technically required to carry a permit to drive, so get one if you’ll be driving in these countries. If you ended up dealing with the police and don’t have an IDP, you could be fined if you don’t produce one, and the fine will no doubt be more than the cost of getting one here.

2. Insurance
Your personal automobile insurance policy may have restrictions or limitations on driving in foreign countries. Check your coverage, including the terms of your credit card policy, before you rent in a foreign country. Ask them if you should buy additional coverage offered by the rental agency.

3. Fines Paid While Driving
In some countries, the police will take your license if you are involved in an accident or stopped for a moving violation, and will not return it until you have paid any applicable fine. Get receipts for all payments you make, and report any mistreatment or apparent scams to the American embassy or consulate in that country.

Certain European countries track traffic violations with street cameras that photograph cars at intersections. The police trace the drivers using the license plate number of the car and request payment from the rental car company for the ticket. The rental car company is within its rights to collect the fine from you, even if the company is informed of the violation after you have returned and paid for the car.

4. Age Matters
The age which you must be to rent a car varies by country and rental company. Younger renters can get stuck with extra costs, such as being required to buy extra insurance or pay a surcharge of $15–40 per day. Most companies will not rent a car to someone under 21 (with some exceptions, depending on the country and type of car), but those who are at least 25 years old should have no problem.

If you’re over 70  you may have trouble renting in the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey. In Denmark, you may have trouble if you are over 80. If you’re over 69, you may be required to pay extra to rent a car in the Republic of Ireland, where the official age limit is 75 (although some rental companies will rent to those ages 76–79 if they provide extensive proof of good health and safe driving).  Find out the rules for age by country before your leave. Then also compare the cost to rent from here vs. walking into a rental agency at your destination.

5. Border Crossings
In Europe, borders are a hot issue now and rules regarding if you can drive a rental car between certain countries could change. Your best bet is to check with your rental company as to what they allow, what additional fees are involved and what additional paperwork you will need to have. Be sure to state your travel plans up front to the rental company when you book. Some companies may have limits on which eastward countries you can drive to because of the higher incidence of car thefts (for example, you can only take cheaper cars, and you may have to pay extra insurance fees. The best advice is to do your research ahead of time.  One alternative to get the freedom a car offers is to consider hiring a private driver for the day or for the duration you’re in a specific country. Hotel concierges and travel agents can help connect you with a driver/private tour guide.

6. Great International Driving Tips Resource
Learn about local road rules when visiting a new place or foreign country by first visiting the website of the national transport authority. If you’re planning to rent a car in Europe, AAA  publishes some great advice. Also, ask the car-rental company about any unusual road rules you should know about (in New Zealand, for example, left-turning traffic must give way to opposing right-turning traffic, which is completely counter-intuitive for American drivers).

 

Even the most careful driver can be faced with an emergency situation. If the emergency happens in an unfamiliar area or at night, it becomes even more stressful. Don’t panic and start to gather as much information about your situation.  Also planning ahead of time what you can do to stay if your car breaks down will help get you through the situation with less fear and stress.

Take Note of Your Location

  • Know where you are in relation to cross streets, or if on a highway an off-ramp or mile marker.
  • Get off the roadway, or pull to the side, even if you do have to drive on a flat tire. The tire is replaceable. Stay visible.
  • Turn on your emergency flashers. If you have emergency roadway flares in your trunk, position them conspicuously, do this only if it is safe.
  • Raise the hood and tie a handkerchief to the aerial or door handle, only exit the vehicle if you feel it is safe to do so.
  • Use your cell phone to call for help. Make the call from inside your locked vehicle if you are safely out of traffic. Otherwise, do so at a safe distance from the vehicle and roadway. Have your roadside assistance phone number entered in your phone contacts and have a printed copy of it in your glove box.
  • If a roadside telephone or call-box is handy, use it. If not, sit in your locked car and wait for help.
  • If a motorist stops to render assistance, it’s better to remain in the car and ask him to call for or get help. You can use your phone camera to record the conversation  (Likewise, if you see a stranded motorist, it is best to notify the police via phone than it is to approach the car.)

If  You Think You are Being Followed, Don’t Drive Home

  1. Driving home will only tell the follower where you live.
  2. Drive to an already identified safe spot. Once there sound your horn and flash your lights. Do not leave this safe location until you’re sure your follower is gone. Suggested safe spots are police stations, fire stations, public and well-lit places. Do not engage whoever is following you and keep your doors locked. Assess if you need to call 911 to protect yourself from a threat.
  3. Flash your lights and sound your horn long enough to attract attention to you and consequently, the person following you. Your goal is for him to leave. If you are stopped and not driving take a photo or video using your phone.
  4. Remember, your common sense is your best protection.

    Protecting Yourself

  • Always drive with your car doors locked and windows up far enough to keep anyone from reaching inside.
  • At stop signs and signals keep the car in gear and stay alert.
  • Travel on well-lit busy streets. You can spare those extra minutes it may take to avoid an unsafe area.
  • Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight, even when you are driving in your locked car. It is better to place them on the floor than the seat.
  • Always lock your car, even for a short absence. And before unlocking your parked car, quickly check to make sure no one is hiding in the vehicle.
  • Never pick up a hitchhiker. Even the most harmless-looking stranger can be dangerous. Don’t find out.
  • When you arrive home, leave your headlights on until you have the car in the garage, and the house door unlocked. If you can have a remote control garage door opener installed, it will allow you to remain in your locked car until your garage door closes.
  • Check the daily routes you travel and pick out safe spots-24 hour gas stations, convenience stores, and police and fire stations. If trouble should arise, drive straight to one of these locations.

Choose your parking space wisely

  • In airport parking lots I recommend parking in view of the exit pay booths, parking lot office, or within view of a shuttle pickup location or kiosk. The increased traffic at these locations will discourage potential thieves. Well-lit areas are next best location; most airport lots have surveillance cameras in place, so making it easier for an attendant to see your car on a grainy camera will help.
  • Park “trunk out.” If you are storing items in your trunk, you will want to point the trunk out into the lot aisle, where more people can see anyone trying to break in. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to use your car as cover while ripping you off.
  • When parking on the street, try to park within sight of a busy store or hotel entrance, under a street lamp, near a busy corner or out in the open away from things that might provide shelter to a thief (like thick or low-hanging trees). The busier the street, the better.
  • Remove or lock up items such as GPS units, accessories for your cell phone or MP3 player, a loose E-ZPass apparatus –  to remove temptation.
  • Similarly, visual cues that might deter a thief can be critical – even if they are just for show. Things like a steering wheel lock or a blinking alarm system light will inspire thieves to move on to the next vehicle, even if you don’t have the alarm activated.
  • A neat car is less likely to get broken into.
  • A car that is filled with jackets or beach towels that appear to be covering items of value, or that has wires sticking out here and there suggesting that electronic devices may also be stowed, are much more likely to attract interest. If a potential thief sees nothing but car upholstery, he or she is less likely to be curious about what might be hidden in the car.
  • Check for your valuables as soon as you return to your car.
  • If you have any suspicions, you will want to make sure nothing was stolen before you pull out. If your car does get ripped off, you want to figure it out at or near the location the theft occurred in case you have to file a complaint. When surveying your vehicle, keep in mind that thieves know what to take- often items you won’t notice until you are long gone. For example, a common tactic is to take a camera out of a camera bag, but leave the bag behind; it looks like it was undisturbed so you won’t figure it out for hours or days.

Rent wisely

When renting a car, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Rent models that are not easily exposed or broken into and that have a trunk big enough to store anything you want to secure.  A hip convertible style car sounds like a great idea, but it is easier to break into than a hard top.
  • The more modest and nondescript the rental model, the less likely to attract attention it is.
  • Don’t leave your rental contract in the car, as this document has just about all the information you will need if the car is stolen – and also all the information a thief will need to evade detection if he or she is stopped for any reason before you report the vehicle as stolen.

Protect valuables left inside your vehicle by using a portable safe designed to be used in your personal or rental car.