Guide To Renting A Car - Part 3
Guide To Renting A Car - Part 3
There are a few safety issues that go hand in hand with renting a car. Be aware that certain unsavory characters will use various methods to distract motorists and cause them to stop their vehicles. These include: yelling, honking or pointing at your car as if something is wrong with it; motioning or asking you to stop and lend assistance; flashing headlights at your vehicle; or bumping your car from behind.If you find yourself in one of these situations, don't pull over or stop. Instead, drive immediately to the nearest service station or well-lit public area and phone 911.
Here are a few other travel tips provided by Alamo:
1. Know your route! Before leaving the rental counter, ask for specific directions to your destination, including expressway entrances and exit numbers.
2. Roll 'em up! Keep your car doors locked and the windows up when driving or when parked.
3. No free rides! No matter how innocent or needy they may appear, hitchhikers can mean bad news. Avoid them.
4. Know your car! Familiarize yourself with your car's safety equipment, such as headlights and hazard lights, door locks and spare tire before leaving the rental counter. Always fasten your seat belts.
5. Hide your valuables! Lock purses, wallets, luggage and valuables in the trunk or glove compartment.
6. See the light! Should you become lost, do not pull over on the side of the road to study your map or directions. Instead, drive to the nearest well-lit, populated public place such as a service station or restaurant. And be sure to lock your car and take the keys with you.
7. Ready, check, go! Always park in well-lit areas and make sure you have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Before entering, be sure to check inside and underneath your car. Lock your doors immediately upon entering.
8. Make the call. In the rare event you feel you are being followed, proceed to a well-lit, populated area and call the police by dialing 911.
How safe is the Internet? Many people are concerned about submitting credit card information over the Internet. According to the book "Travel Planning Online for Dummies", you shouldn't run into any problems as long as the site is encrypted. Both Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers indicate whether a site uses encryption.
On Netscape 3.0 and 4.0, look for a chain or padlock in the bottom left-hand corner. On Internet Explorer versions 3.0 and higher, look for a lock in the bottom right-hand corner.
If the locks or chains are not broken, then you can be assured that you're connected to a secure server and your information is safe.
LivingToday.tv - February 22nd, 2005
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