Parking Safety Recommendations

If you need an escort walking to your vehicle, or to any place on campus, please contact the Safety Escort Service provided by the Associated Students of ASU:

Safety Escort Service Page

Effective Spring '05 - Safety Escort Service is available seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. The SES has also added services to the Brickyard, Apache Commons and the University Services Building. Call (480) 965-1515 for more information. When SES is not available, please call ASU Police Services at (480) 965-3456.

Read about the partnership between Safety Escort Service and Parking & Transit Services.

If you need a battery jump start, or have locked your keys inside your vehicle, please call ASU Parking Dispatch at (480) 965-0641.

More information on services offered and hours of operation can be found at the ASU Parking and Transit Motorist Assistance Page.

In emergency situations, there are emergency call boxes, easily identified by their yellow color and blue light, located throughout the Main campus, including every level of every parking structure. These call boxes enable direct contact with ASU DPS as an emergency 911 call. Please use the call boxes for emergency traffic, and refer any non-emergency traffic such as lock-outs and stalled vehicles through ASU Parking Dispatch at (480) 965-0641.

PERSONAL SAFETY

When walking alone, body language is important in identifying you - don't behave like a possible victim.

• Walk with confidence and alertness. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Keep your head up and your posture erect.
• Maintain a brisk, confident pace.
• Should a stranger approach you, look at them for three to five seconds as you walk by.
• If approached by someone asking directions, give them from a distance, if at all.
• If you feel someone is following you, look at them (so you can identify them) then change directions.
• Vary the route you take when walking around the campus.
• Never prop open doors to buildings.
• Take advantage of the Security Escort Service.

SAFETY AROUND THE VEHICLE

• Always park in lighted areas.
• Always lock your vehicle.
• Don't go alone. It's not always possible, but it's still good advice.
• Carry small loads at a time, keeping arms free for movement.
• Carry your keys at the ready, but do not thread them through your fingers.
• Avoid parking beside high-profile vehicles such as trucks and vans.
• Don't leave personal property in your vehicle.
• If you have to leave items, lock them in the trunk.
• Never leave your mail visible in the vehicle.
• Women should purchase an inexpensive "masculine" item to leave visible in their vehicles.
• As you approach your vehicle, OBSERVE IT. Look around the vehicle. Look into the front and back seats before unlocking the door.
• As soon as you are safely in your vehicle, lock the door.
• Never hitchhike, and never pick up a hitchhiker.
• Keep vehicle in good repair.
• Never let your gas gauge get below one quarter of a tank.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Walk with confidence. When the criminal picks out a victim, in most cases he looks for three thing:
  
  1. A person who appears to be weak/vulnerable
  2. A person who is unaware of surroundings, not paying attention
  3. Opportunity

Crime is a part of society we live in. We are all potential victims. If we give the would-be criminal numbers 1 and 2, he will find number 3. Personal awareness is truly the key to prevention.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

• Record the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), registration and license plate numbers and keep them in a safe place. Also, attach a photograph of your vehicle.
• Carry insurance.
• Never leave keys in unattended vehicle.
• LOCK IT. When you're in it and when you leave it. Always.
• Keep valuables out of sight, locked in trunk.
• Carry a spare key on your person. Stay away from using magnetic key boxes.
• Avoid bumper stickers that might antagonize individuals or groups.
• Avoid antagonizing other drivers.
• Travel on main streets and highways as much as possible.
• If you feel you're being followed, drive to the nearest police station or populated area and sound the horn for help.
• If you see a disabled vehicle, don't stop. Drive to a nearby telephone and inform the police of the vehicle's location.
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, attach a white handkerchief to the door handle or window, lock your doors and stay in the vehicle. If someone stops to help, do not open your door or window. Ask the person to please go to a telephone and call for help.

ITEMS TO CARRY IN YOUR VEHICLE

• 4-way lug wrench with leverage pipe, and tire iron or screwdriver to remove hubcap.
• A good jack, preferably hydraulic, and the knowledge to use it.
• Aerosol canister for inflating tires (such as Fix-a-flat).
• A change of clothing, warm jacket, gloves.
• Cellular phone or CB (Citizens Band) radio.
• Good spare tire, to be checked regularly.
• Dependable flashlight.
• Road flares.
• Jumper cables.
• Blanket.
• Map/Atlas.