Safety First Always!!

The other day, I found myself driving home with our three kiddos. We had just left a local store where we stopped to grab some much-needed snacks and drinks after a dental check-up, nothing out of the ordinary. As we made our way home, my car suddenly started emitting that dreaded noise—an unmistakable thud-thud-thud-thud that every driver fears, the telltale sound of a tire going flat. While I considered pulling over right then and there to investigate the issue, I was only three blocks from home. I decided to take the risk and continue driving, accompanied by the ominous sound on my passenger side.

Upon arriving home, I hopped out of the car and inspected the tire, but nothing seemed particularly wrong at first glance. There was no obvious flat, no visible punctures, and nothing protruding from the tire that I could see. In moments like these, I often find myself reverting to my usual course of action when I don't know something—I called my husband. It didn't take him long to realize that there was indeed a screw lodged in my tire. He quickly removed the offending screw and sealed the tire without any fuss, saving the day and alleviating my worries.

Yet, despite this resolution, I found myself feeling quite unsettled. This was partly due-I'm sure- to the heightened paranoia that often accompanies pregnancy, but also because of some truly alarming stories I've been encountering online lately. Something that tends to slip our minds is personal safety when we are near, in, or around vehicles: awareness of our surroundings. While I, just like everyone else, have NO desire to live in constant fear of my daily movements, there are indeed some prudent practices that can be easily integrated into all our everyday lives to enhance our safety. If you're unsure of what I mean, please bear with me for a moment.

My purpose in writing this article is to bring attention to some of the less-than-ideal scenarios that could and do occur in various locations around our state. These are situations that could happen to anyone. It is, unfortunately, not uncommon to encounter instances where someone has slashed a tire, hammered a nail, or twisted a screw into someone’s tire. In certain areas, it is all too frequent to come out from a store only to discover paper or fabric of some kind tucked under a windshield, or even tied to a door handle.

But surely, it won’t happen to me, right? I fervently pray that it never does, to anyone.

Safety is paramount, and at the risk of appearing paranoid, it’s essential to always protect yourself and those you are with first, even if those precautions might seem excessive or silly at times. I can’t quite pinpoint why I chose to drive those extra three blocks home instead of stopping to check the tire immediately. But when Mike informed me that it had been a screw in my tire, my mind began to split in two.

One half dismissed it as mere coincidence, while the other half spiraled into thoughts of all the frightening things I had seen online. The purpose of sharing this experience is not to instill fear in the masses or to encourage anyone to overthink every little detail of their day-to-day life. But rather a reminder to stay alert, and aware no matter your surroundings.

• In the unfortunate event that you find your tire flat after leaving a store or while driving down the road, it’s wise to call someone to come to your aid if you feel uneasy about exiting your vehicle. This is important if you are in an unfamiliar area or if it is late at night. While waiting for assistance, ensure your vehicle is in a safe location, away from traffic, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. If possible, remain inside your car with the doors locked until help arrives, as this can provide an additional layer of security and safety while you wait.

• While you are pumping gas, keep a vigilant eye on those around you. Pay attention to the people who are near you, as well as any vehicles that seem to linger longer than normal. If you notice anything suspicious, trust your instincts. We know it's hard but try to avoid distractions such as your phone during this time, be aware of any possible threats in this time. If something seems suspicious don’t hesitate to leave the area and report your concerns to the gas station attendant or store managers.

• If you have the option to remain in your locked vehicle, do so. If someone approaches you, resist the urge to roll down your window, and if possible, drive away. It’s essential to prioritize your safety above all else. If the person approaching you seems aggressive or threatening, do not engage with them. Instead, consider calling for help or alerting the authorities if you feel uncomfortable. Don't wait for someone to escalate; alive and well is better than any alternatives.

• Consider removing your pony tail, or braid as you approach your vehicle if you feel you're being followed. As odd as this one sounds they are easy to grab while you're distracted with your purse or keys. While someone who is determined could absolutely still grab loose hair, hair already bound is far more convenient.

• Put your young ones in your vehicle BEFORE your groceries, this may seem obvious but while groceries being stolen would absolutely be a shame. Nothing could compare to the horror of twisting back around to see your child gone. Make sure they are in the vehicle, buckled in, with doors closed, before you begin loading groceries in your trunk. If you're able to lock the doors while you load your groceries do so for additional safety, not all newer vehicles allow you to lock the car if the trunk is open.

• If you suspect that someone is tailing you—following you for an unusual amount of time—take five to seven left turns. This can help determine if the car is following you or simply simply driving in the same direction temporarily. If they persist in following you after your maneuver, don’t hesitate to call 911 and inform them that you are being followed. State your location, offer any and all details about the vehicle that may assist emergency responders. If you can, try to drive to a police station without pulling over.

• If you discover something stuck to your car, do NOT remove it until you are in a densely populated area or a place you deem safe. This could be anything from a flyer, fabric, a cord, or any other unusual object, and it’s crucial to exercise caution. This has been a tactic used for years to grab someone when they are unaware, or distracted. Avoid removing the item until you are home, in a public space, or until officers arrive.

• In the event you are leaving your car, or heading towards it and someone tries to hand you clothing or any form of paper do not take it. Resist the urge to instinctively reach out and grab the object, avoid even putting your hands up as it could signal willingness to accept the item. As strange as it may sound, this is something sweeping the nation where the items given are laced with kind of substance, causing the receiver to pass out immediately. Don't take the risk no matter how innocuous the item or the person may appear.

Always remember that emergency responders are available if you feel threatened. They can come assist if you simply want someone to check your car, or to be present while you remove some odd item from your windshield. Some of these suggestions may seem like common sense, while others may appear extreme. But, in an age where we often live through our phone screens and walk with our heads down, it may not be as intuitive as we think.

I truly hope that this article serves no purpose other than to raise awareness, and I sincerely wish that no one ever finds themselves in need of these tips. However, all I could think of that day was my first thought 'it wont happen to me' when we all know that is not a very secure line of thought.

Additionally, I can share from personal experience that I had no idea what to do the first time my best friend and I thought someone was following us home. Being prepared is undoubtedly better than being caught off guard in situations like these. It’s essential to have a plan in place, to know what steps to take if you ever find yourself in any unsafe situation. Trust me when I say I would rather my kids, my family, and my friends feel embarrassed or ridiculous for 'over-reacting' than under-reacting, and something happening because they felt too foolish to protect themselves first. 

It’s imperative we teach those we care for to trust their instincts and take their feelings seriously. Practice situational awareness, be mindful of your surroundings, and recognize the signs that something may not be right. These conversations help all individuals regardless of age, allowing them to respond effectively rather than panic in the moment. Ultimately, we can make all the difference in our community by sharing our knowledge, and safe practices freely, no matter how unlikely the situation.

At the end of the day, do I think someone intentionally put a screw in my tire for nefarious purposes? No, not really. But that's the kicker isn't it? No one ever thinks it will be them, I can't give you a GOOD reason why I didn't stop on the side of the road. But looking back I listened to my intuition, even if it was unnecessary, and silly.

As always we wish you and yours the best, thank you for reading, let me know if there is something you think I should add! We value the opportunity to grow with and support our local community! -Kierra