Vehicle Safety
The Bloomingdale Police Department encourages everyone to consider the following information whether taking a trip by car or for everyday vehicle use.
To help prevent theft of items from your vehicle:
-Always close windows and lock doors when your vehicle is unattended.
-Do not leave valuable items in vehicle.
-If you need to store items in your vehicle, place them in the trunk or out of sight.
Vehicle safety and maintenance:
-Check the weather and the routes for your destination. Remember that it is construction season.
-Maintain / perform regular oil changes and have at least half a tank of gas in your car. Full tanks are even better to keep the air conditioning going and it helps if you unexpectedly become stranded.
-Check your tires for tread wear.
-Have a certified automotive technician (mechanic) complete a check: battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, brakes, and oil.
-Keep the listed items in your vehicle: road maps, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, blanket, waterproof matches, small tool kit, booster cables, small shovel or broom, and perhaps a small bag of sand to use as traction under your tires.
-Construction vehicles are big, heavy pieces of equipment that enter and exit off the roadways. They may need more time to accelerate and space on the roadway lanes, so please be cautious and considerate as you travel in construction areas.
If your vehicle becomes disabled, please:
-If possible, please stay in your vehicle.
-If someone other than a law enforcement officer approaches the car, talk through the window or from a distance (if outside of the vehicle) and ask them to contact the local/state police department or towing service.
-Only leave the car if help is visible within view.
-Display a brightly colored cloth or other emergency sign to indicate trouble.