Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
at night in the United states is called the “stop sign bump.” Criminals
select a motorist. Perhaps the car is a valuable model; if a sexual crime is
being attempted, the driver is a female driving alone. When the targeted
vehicle approaches a stop sign and comes to a halt, the criminal's car
gently moves up close behind and lightly “bumps” the target vehicle. In
almost every case, the driver of the “accidentally” struck vehicle stops and
gets out to check the damage, exchange license and insurance informa-
tion, or yell at the inattention of the driver who just hit him or her. That
is exactly what the bad guy is counting on, and that is when he will strike.
If this happens to you, do not stop on the road. Drive to the nearest area
of safety, such as a police station or hospital, and stop there.
Often the bad guys pose as good Samaritans themselves. A few years
ago in Long Island, New York, a series of sexual assaults were perpetrated
by a man who prowled the highway looking for females driving alone late
at night. The assailant would pull alongside the victim's car and start
shouting that there was something wrong with her tire. The man was clean
cut and well dressed and seemed so sincere and concerned. The driver
would pull off the road to check what was wrong, with the “good Samari-
tan” pulling in behind and offering to provide assistance. That is when
the women were raped. Do not stop anywhere you would be vulnerable to
attack. Drive to a safe place and then check your tire. Sometimes crimi-
nals pose as injured victims themselves. Concerned drivers who stop to
offer assistance are assaulted.
Contact the local embassy or consulate for information to prepare
yourself against local crimes involving vehicles or otherwise. A particular
country may have recently experienced a rash of carjackings that follow a
particular pattern. Being forewarned is truly being forearmed. Learn how
the criminals operate and you can protect yourself through vigilance and
proper avoidance measures. Another thing for you to always bear in mind:
Criminals frequently work in groups. Just like a pickpocket who uses an
accomplice to “accidentally” bump the victim while the pocket is being
picked, thieves, robbers, carjackers, and the like also use others to distract
or deceive the victim.
VEHICLE SAFETY CHECK
We mentioned before how important it is to be aware of your surroundings
and to change your routine frequently. These are things we can control.
