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EnCompass^® The AAA Companion

July \| August 2004 Volume 78 Issue 4

AutoTalk

Give Car Thieves a Hard Time

Car thieves aren't looking for a challenge. They don't want to work hard, and they don't want to get caught.

That's why the National Insurance Crime Bureau suggests a "layered" approach to protecting your vehicle. The more anti-theft measures you take, the more likely the criminal will give up and look for an easier job. Budget and personal preferences will determine how many "layers" you invest in to protect your vehicle. Fortunately, one of your best lines of defense is free-common sense.

Many people make it easy for thieves by leaving their keys in the ignition while running into a convenience store or using an ATM. Always lock it up, including the sunroof.

Never hide a second set of keys in or on your vehicle.
Don't leave valuables in view.
If you have a garage, park in it. If you must park outside your garage don't leave the garage-door opener in your car.
Park in well-lit, populated areas if possible.
Because thieves can use tow trucks, use your emergency brake, leave your transmission in park and turn the wheels toward the curb.
Replace "T-shaped" door locks in older vehicles with straight locks.
While driving, keep your car doors locked.

Alarms, locks, and other visible theft deterrents make it clear to the thief that your car is well-protected. A proven visual deterrent is the steering-wheel lock. Immobilizing your vehicle with a device such as a "kill switch," which prevents the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine, is another method of protection. Some manufacturers' warranties don't allow for the installation of a kill switch and will become void, so check yours before considering this option.

Electronic devices such as smart keys, key pads, and pressure pads are other layers that can prevent a criminal from starting a vehicle. A final layer of protection is a tracking mechanism, an electronic device installed in your vehicle that can be activated if your vehicle is stolen. N

AAA Fuel Cost Calculator

AAA is now offering a way to track fuel costs for road trips. The Fuel Cost Calculator estimates your fuel costs between major destinations in the U.S. based on the type of vehicle you'll be driving. Try it at www.fuelcostcalculator.com.

What You Should Know If You're Involved in a Collision

There are almost 20 million car collisions each year. Besides the three standards for after a collision (1. Don't admit fault, 2. Call authorities, 3. Exchange information with the other driver), the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in collaboration with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), recently released a DVD/VHS entitled Crash Course: What to know before and after a collision. According to Crash Course, you should always keep the following items in your car:

Insurance and Registration
You are legally required to have proof of insurance and your car's registration in the vehicle.

Cell Phone
The relatively low cost of basic cell phones and service plans make it easy to immediately contact authorities or help if you need it. Cell phones and call plans can be purchased for emergency use only.

Visibility-Related Safety Devices
Flares are useful but be careful not to use them if you smell gas. Warning triangles and other high-tech roadside visibility tools are generally safer to use.

Pen and Paper
Have pen and paper ready in your glove compartment in the event of a collision. Write down the other person's license plate number in case they suddenly leave the scene.

Disposable Camera
Keep a disposable camera in your car-photos at the scene of the collision may prove helpful for insurance purposes.

First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit in the trunk or back seat and have emergency medical information about yourself and family members (such as allergic reactions to medication) available in your glove compartment.

Towing Information
AAA provides towing, and your AAA insurance coverage may provide for rental cars in the event of a collision. Have this information handy.

Downloadable Collision Information Form
Download a collision form from the BBB's online CollisionWizard tool located at www.BBBvideo.com. This form will provide you with a guide to help you obtain all the necessary information while you are still at the scene. Crash Course DVD/VHS may also be available at your local public library or you can obtain a copy for $9.95 (plus S&H) at www.BBBVideo.com/ AAA.

Buying a vehicle?

Use aaa.com to access NADA guides, Carfax history reports, AutoMaker, IIHS crash test data, AAA vehicle ratings and AAA Colorado's AutoSource buying service.

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