Whether you’re enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at one of the many fine Main Line restaurants or doing some Black Friday shopping on Cricket Avenue in Ardmore during the Cricket Cringle celebration, Philadelphia’s Main Line is the best place to be this holiday season.
But the holiday season is also an important time to be alert and cautious when it comes to your vehicle. There are car thieves out there who have bad intentions and prey on those who are distracted by the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
To help protect you while on the Main Line this holiday season, here are some useful car safety tips to keep in mind.
Lock Shopping Bags in Trunk: If you’ve already done some holiday shopping and have a bunch of bags in your car, be sure to either cover them up or lock them in your trunk before leaving your vehicle unoccupied. Taking frequent trips to the car to drop off bags makes shopping much easier, but be sure to keep your new belongings out of plain site. If you happen to lock your keys in your car during one of these trips, be sure to have the number for a Main Line locksmith handy.
Park Away from Store Entrances: This goes against conventional wisdom, but parking farther away from a store’s entrance actually has many benefits. First, you’ll be more likely to find a parking spot. You also decrease the chances of your car being hit by another car or a stray shopping cart. If you’re shopping at night, parking under a parking lot light is not a terrible idea.
Use Back-Up Cameras and Mirrors While Parking: Parking lots can be an absolute nightmare around the holidays, making it even more crucial to use your back-up camera and mirrors of your vehicle. Using these correctly will help you see children, shopping carts or other hazards that might be behind your vehicle as your parking or backing out.
Use Hands-Free Devices: If you must be on the phone while driving, be sure to use a hands-free device that will allow you to have your conversation while keeping both hands on the wheel. Get your conversation done and stay alert at the same time. And make sure you never text and drive.