Auto Club Gives Tips to Avoid Becoming a Theft or Crash Victim

    LOS ANGELES - Dec. 6, 2001 - During the holiday shopping season, crowds and distractions can pose additional hazards to consumers.

    The Automobile Club of Southern California reminds shoppers that they need to take precautions to ensure they won't become victims of a vehicle crash, burglary or robbery.

    "Crowds at shopping centers and distracted shoppers can create increased opportunities for parking lot mishaps," said Arline Dillman, Ph.D., the Auto Club's traffic safety manager. "The closer we get to the holidays, the tougher it is for people to be patient, especially in mall parking lots and streets near the malls.

    "Also, the current economic downturn could mean an increase in property crimes, so it's wise for people to be more aware of their surroundings to avoid becoming a crime victim," Dillman added.

    As the holiday countdown continues, and parking lots and roads become more congested, the Auto Club offers these tips to consumers:


    While Shopping

--	Be prepared. Anticipate that the malls will become busier with last-minute holiday shoppers. Allow more time to find a parking space and don't be nasty to other motorists and pedestrians -- remember, Santa's watching. It may be easier to park farther away from the mall entrance, but if it's dark, park in a well-lit area.
--	Time your trips to the mall. Try to shop in the evenings or when stores open early in the morning.
--	Stash it. Don't set yourself up for a vehicle break-in by leaving your purse, wallet, packages or other valuables in view while your car is parked or while you're driving. Put packages in the trunk.
--	Don't argue. If someone approaches you in the parking lot with a weapon who demands your wallet, purse or car, comply. The loss of these items isn't worth your safety.
--	Make sure you're covered. A theft from your vehicle or home of holiday purchases may be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy. Make sure your policy is current and paid.
--	Try alternatives. Use public transportation, shop by catalog or use the Internet to avoid parking lots completely.

    While Driving

-- See and be seen. Use your headlights during the daytime so that
    other drivers will see you, which will help prevent crashes in
    parking lots and on the streets.
-- Exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings and pay extra
    attention to the cars around you, especially when you back out of
    your parking space.
-- Check your vehicle's equipment. Make sure your defroster or
    defogger is working properly. Make sure you can see through your
    windows before backing out of your parking spot.
-- Move it. Remove any shopping carts that might accidentally damage
    your car -- or someone else's.
-- Be careful. Be aware that if you're found at fault in a parking
    lot crash, you might have to pay your collision deductible and the
    crash could count as a point on your motor vehicle record.
-- Get the vital statistics. In the event of a crash, be sure to
    obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, insurance carriers
    and policy numbers of the other motorists.

    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services and highway and transportation safety programs.