Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Walter Raffo, LivinginPeru’s independent security consultant, brings us all a reminder in his monthly safety column: what to do and what not to do while driving, especially while traveling long distances throughout Peru.

While on the Road

DO              make sure that your vehicle has been tuned up and prepared to be driven along your entire route without any problems.

DO              assure that the levels of gasoline, oil, battery water and brake liquid are the required ones to get to your destination. Check them periodically along the route.

DO              respect the traffic and safe driving regulations and instructions, particularly the ones which refer to the use of lanes and authorized speed.

DO              pay careful attention to cars or trucks stationed on one side of the road, and be ready to avoid them in case they move onto the road unexpectedly.

DO              keep your distance with the vehicle in front of you, especially if you are going behind a truck climbing a hill.

DO              use your mirrors, all of them, to monitor the traffic behind you. It will help you monitor other cars coming from behind and as well as be ready to react in case something happens.

DO              USE YOUR SEAT BELT. It will help you to maintain control of your vehicle regardless the type of maneuver that you may be required to perform in order to avoid an accident.

DO              study all the details of your route taking note of the cities or towns where you can get assistance (police, hospitals, gas stations, etc.). Make a travel plan.

DO NOT              take away your sight from the road and do not be distracted by conversations while you are driving.

DO NOT              pick up strangers on the road or gas stations; even they look harmless and in spite of their gender or appearance.

DO NOT              use your cellular phone while driving, especially when coming through towns or cities. Along the road it may also cause you to run into an animal that crosses the road.

DO NOT              stop in isolated places along the road; use a gas station in a town or village in case you need to make a stop.

DO NOT              drive during nighttime hours. You may start your trip before dawn, but make sure to be on the road only during daylight hours. It is particularly important if you are driving to the highlands or along the upper jungle.

DO NOT              place babies or small children in the front seat, even if they are held by an adult. Use a car seat in the back seats.

At Your Destination

DO              Use a hotel with a parking lot or get one close to your place of resting. Do the same anywhere else you go within that certain location. Or you can make sure to hire street watchmen services.

DO              Clear with the hotel crew if it is safe to visit the areas or places that you intend to go. Include questions about existing weather conditions.

DO              Try to minimize the use of you car while moving within the town or city. It will help you keep a low profile.

DO              make sure that the car alarm is working. Also, you can use other devices to minimize the chances of a car robbery.

DO NOT              leave bags, cameras, or any article at plain view inside the car. Avoid attention directed at your car. If you need to leave them in the car, put them in the trunk and do it before you get to your destination. Also, use the glove compartment.

DO NOT               remain seated inside the car after you park for long periods of time. It is a vulnerable moment that may be used by criminals as a way to attack you.