Gas stations are a necessity for fueling our vehicles and grabbing a snack/drink for the road. However, they can often be dangerous, especially for women who are more likely to experience assault, robbery, and carjacking. In fact, in 2022, the FBI reported 45,218 violent crimes at gas stations, representing about 5% of violent crimes nationwide. To prevent becoming another statistic, consider the following safety tips the next time you stop at the gas station to fill up.
Safety at the Gas Station
1 – Selecting Your Station
The best way to protect yourself at a gas station is to choose a facility in a safe area. Since more people around can help deter crime, you want to pick a fuel stop in a busy, high-traffic area. It is also recommended to select a well-lit gas station because criminals tend not to operate in bright areas.
Whenever possible, choose a pump or parking spot that is close to the building, especially near surveillance cameras and attendants.
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2 – Keep Your Valuables on You
When heading inside, do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Instead, always take them with you to prevent carjacking and theft. Your keys can serve as an easy-to-use weapon, giving you the advantage to defend yourself if necessary. It is also wise to lock your doors and close your windows, discouraging criminals from breaking into your vehicle and stealing your belongings.
3 – Trust Your Gut
Trusting your gut means making a decision based on your intuition. Your brain will gather past experiences and memories, making a split-second evaluation of whether something is right or wrong. This instinct can trigger a range of physical reactions, such as a rapid heartbeat or butterflies in the stomach. Trusting your gut can help you identify threats and react quickly.
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If something feels off, do not dismiss the feeling. Instead, trust yourself and your decision-making, get into your vehicle, and leave. I’d rather trust my instincts than ignore my subconscious and get myself into an avoidable, dangerous situation.
4 – Situational Awareness
You cannot prioritize your personal safety if you choose to ignore the world around you. This means that observing your surroundings is essential to detecting threats and knowing when to act. This skill, known as situational awareness, enables an individual to absorb information from their environment, recognize potential threats, and anticipate what may happen next.
As you enter the parking lot, look for anything or anyone that seems out of place and plan how to react. When fueling up, stay off your phone, avoid headphones, and keep your head up to stay alert.
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5 – Your Parking Spot
As mentioned earlier, choosing a parking spot that is close to the building can help deter crime. However, it is also recommended to park in an area that does not leave you cornered. To provide a quick getaway if necessary, park your vehicle in a spot with a clear, easy exit path.
6 – Never Let Your Tank Get Too Empty
It is advised to keep your gas tank at least a quarter full. By following this rule of thumb, you can prevent becoming stranded if your car runs out of gas. When travelling, keeping your tank a quarter or more full allows you to find a fuel stop in a safe area, rather than fueling up somewhere that may be less secure. It is also recommended to avoid filling your tank at night.
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Gas stations can sometimes be dangerous places. However, following certain safety precautions can help prevent you from becoming a victim. By choosing a well-lit station, keeping your keys with you, trusting your gut, staying aware of your surroundings, selecting a safe parking spot, and never letting your tank get too low, you can easily prioritize your safety and fuel up without any problems.