Stay safe in parking lots after dark!

The fall season means fewer hours of sunlight. Often, many people who work or run errands after work will be walking to and from their cars in the dark. The earlier sunset can leave people who are returning to their vehicles in darkness a bit more uneasy than usual.

We care about your safety and comfort at MVD Express. In order to help you to be safer while walking to your vehicle at night, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you avoid potentially dangerous situations. When in a parking lot at night, remember to:

• Be Alert. Being aware of your surroundings can help you prevent injury or alert you to suspicious activity or cars.
• Have a plan. Know exactly what you would do in the event that you were attacked. Although the chances of an attack are very low, it’s always better to be prepared.
• Have your keys ready. Having your keys ready will prevent you from having to ruffle through your bag outside of your car. The more time it takes you to get in your vehicle to drive away, the more potential there is for someone to attack you.
• Park in a well-lit area. By parking in a well-lit area, you’ll be able to see potential hazards around your car, like uneven ground or potholes, so you can possibly prevent injury. Your vehicle will also be more visible, usually reducing the chances of your car being broken into.
• Stay in a group. As part of a group, you have others around to call for help in the event of a fall or other injury. Also, groups are much less likely to be targeted for an attack.
• Lock your doors and drive away. By locking your doors immediately and driving away, you are not giving a potential predator the opportunity to attack.

By being aware of where you are, where you parked and the surrounding areas, you can help keep yourself and those around you safer.