To raise awareness about the important issue of safety, the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® offers important information Realtors and all area residents can use to protect themselves year-round - on the job, on the road and at home.
Avoiding Dangerous Situations On the Road
These tips may help protect yourself from dangerous situations while in your car:
* Your office should keep a file on each employee's vehicle, including the make, year, model, color and license plate number.
* Whenever possible, take separate cars to a showing or event. When you leave your car, lock it.
* Wear a visible company identification card at all times. It is also best to drive a vehicle clearly marked with your company name. These will be invaluable for identification if you need to get assistance.
* When you're alone getting into your car, the first thing you should do is lock the doors. Be observant when approaching your car, looking underneath and in the back seat before entering.
* Keep roadside breakdown essentials in the trunk, including flares, a tire-inflation canister, basic hand tools, spare belts and hoses, water, a flashlight and a first-aid kit. Have your vehicle inspected regularly, keep it well-maintained and learn how to change a flat tire.
* Dress for the weather. If your car breaks down or you need to escape a dangerous situation on foot, you could find yourself exposed to harsh weather conditions for an extended period of time. In the winter, bring a coat with you and keep a blanket in the trunk of your car along with some spare warm clothes.
* If you're driving at night and are approached by a vehicle with blue lights, exercise caution. Call 9-1-1 to identify the vehicle, turn on your flashers to acknowledge that you see the police car, and keep moving until you're in a well-lit area. A legitimate law enforcement official will understand your caution.
* Avoid aggressive drivers. Don't create a situation that may provoke another motorist such as tailgating or flashing your lights. Use your horn sparingly, and if you are being followed too closely, move over and let the driver pass you. If you do encounter an angry driver, avoid eye contact and give them plenty of room. If you are concerned for your safety, call 9-1-1.
(Sources: REALTOR® Magazine; Georgia Real Estate Commission; Louisiana REALTORS®; Washington Real Estate Safety Council; City of Mesa, AZ; Allstate;
Road and Travel magazine; Illinois Secretary of State's office)
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.