How to Keep Your Car From Being Vandalized
How to Keep Your Car From Being Vandalized
Young drivers have a lot to learn in order to stay safe on the roads, but that safety extends to when the car is not being driven as well. When young people take their parents’ cars or even if they have a vehicle of their own, the responsibility to care for the car goes beyond driving. To help keep a car safe even when it’s not being driven, we’ve put together a short guide to keep a car from being vandalized.
Park in a well-lit area.
Don’t put you or your car at any more risk than you have to: always park your car in a well-lit area. This may mean parking under a street light, or near an exit in a parking garage. Being in a well-lit area reduces the risk of your car being vandalized and also helps to keep you safer as you walk to and from your car.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
Don’t make your car an easy target by leaving things that can be easily seen through the windows. This includes your phone, computer, or even loose change. Leaving things in your car invites trouble. If you do need to leave something in your car, make sure it is out of sight and take the time to cover items, if needed.
Lock your doors.
It might sound simple, but many people exit their cars without locking them. Even if you are parking your car at home, be sure to lock your doors. You might think that you don’t need to lock your doors because you live in a safe neighbourhood or that you don’t have anything in the car anyway, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Park near other cars.
A great way to reduce the likelihood that your car will be vandalized is to park it near other cars. When your car is just one of many in a row, the odds of your car being targeted are reduced. Again, this is more effective if you don’t leave things in your car and you park near a well-lit area. It takes seconds to make these simple decisions that could save you a lot of problems — and a big insurance bill — later.
Don’t park in the same spot all the time.
Depending on where you are going, try to change up your routine and route. Driving the same route all the time and parking in the same spot all the time creates pattern and is an easy target for anyone in the area looking to rob someone or vandalize property. If you park your car in a variety of places, it’s less likely that someone will be able to anticipate your routine.
When it comes to safe driving, Route 66 Driving School teaches young people to be safe on and off the road. Driving is an important responsibility that requires a lot of attention and care. Leaving a car unattended in a dark, unsecure place is an invitation for trouble. Because so many young people drive their parents’ cars, it’s important to talk to young drivers about taking care of the car in parking lots, parking garages, and in new places. Locking the car no matter what, ensuring no valuables are inside, and changing out the places you park can all help reduce the likelihood of your car being vandalized.
For more information about young driver training, check out our online courses. Route 66 Driving School helps young people gain the confidence they need for the road ahead.
