If you decide it is time to improve your Self-Defense Quotient here are some safety practices which can safe your life.

• Develop the habit of being aware of your surroundings – all of them. Alertness to possible danger provides you with advance warning signals that give you time to avoid questionable situations.

• Take a defensive driving class or get a law enforcement officer to talk to you and a group of friends about defensive tactics.

• Get to know your car – really. What can it do? What won’t it do? Practice panic stops and starts in a deserted parking lot. You need to know how the vehicle will respond when you ask it to do something.

• When driving, use defensive driving techniques. Drive courteously, no tailgating, allow merging, do not cut anybody off, use your directional indicators, merge courteously, and be aware of escape paths such as shoulders and dividers. Not only are such techniques safer in terms of reducing the likelihood of accidents, they are also courteous and reduce the possibility of road rage retaliation.

• DO NOT use rude gestures toward other drivers or their passengers. Doing so invites trouble which you may or may not be able to avoid.

• Lock your doors. When you are buckling up your safety belt, make it a habit to lock the driver’s door if it does not lock automatically. Check all of them. Also, when parking, be sure all doors are locked, including any other rear or side entries to avoid unwanted passengers.

• Stay out of dangerous areas as much as possible. If you must enter such areas, put yourself on high alert and watch everything, especially areas that could conceal potential attackers. Be especially alert at stop signs and stop lights.

• Remember that you are driving a 2 ton weapon. If you keep your wits about you, you will probably be able to drive your way out of danger. Keep calm and breathe slowly to steady yourself. Look for escape routes. Be willing to do whatever is necessary to save yourself and your passengers, even if you lose a bumper or scratch the paint. Cars are replaceable. People aren’t.

Staying alert can help you avoid danger. Keeping calm can help you get out of danger.