• Take a few seconds to inspect your vehicle before getting into it.

• Walk completely around your vehicle looking for:

° Objects placed in the path of your tires or on top of your tires.

° Fingerprints (if you car is dusty) around the doors, trunk or hood areas of the vehicles.

° Wires protruding from the doors, hood, truck or gasoline cap.

° Pieces of cut wire or electrical tape lying on the ground beneath or near your vehicle.

° Signs of forced entry.

° Look into the back seat to ensure that the car is empty.

Driving your vehicle

• Vary your routes to and from work and vary your departure and arrival times frequently by at least 30 minutes. Be systematically unsystematic.

• Avoid parking in unsecured areas and places that will be unlit at night.

• Be aware of your surroundings; know who is pulling along side of you. You should also be watching what is taking place 3 blocks ahead of you.

• While you're driving, be prepared to take evasive actions. Play the "what if game" and think of what evasive action you would take if the persons in the car next to you suddenly made an aggressive move or attacked in some fashion.

• Remember that your vehicle is a 2,000-pound weapon and can be used very effectively against attackers. Be prepared to take action.

• Be alert for motorcycles or bicycles stopping next to your car, particularly if there are two riders.

Riding in a Taxi

• Only use “Radio Taxi” or dedicated taxi stand, telephone 225-5563, white colored vehicle clearly marked with “el gallito” “little rooster logo. For taxis in San Pedro Sula, use “Radio Taxi Barandillas” telephone 557-5808/553-6251 or “Radio Taxi Ideal”, telephone 557-9147.

• Before getting in, make an obvious point of looking at the license number. If possible, have another person make note of the number before you depart.

• Use safety belts whenever available.

• Look for driver I.D. on top right side of windshield.

• Always agree on price before embarking.

Don't get into a taxi if:

• The inside door locks and handles are not working.

• It is occupied by anyone else in addition to the driver.

• It is dirty or the license plates are obscured.

• You smell alcohol.

While you are in route:

• Establish a rapport with your driver.

• Do not allow the driver to pick up unknown passengers.

• Keep doors locked and windows up.

• Stay alert.

• Be prepared to take evasive actions.

• Be prepared to stop the driver and get out of the vehicle if the driver is not using main streets, if he is driving in the wrong direction, or using alleys and shortcuts.

Auto Theft Prevention Tips:

• Never leave car outside overnight - no neighborhood is safe.

• Never leave your car running and unattended, even to dash into a business.

• Never leave your keys in the car or ignition, even inside a locked garage.

• Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is in front of your home.

• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.

• Always park in a high-traffic, well-lighted area, if possible. The better restaurants and stores all have armed guards.

• Install a mechanical device that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Commonly called clubs, collars, or J-bars. These devices can act as a highly visible physical deterrent if installed properly.

• Investigate the purchase of an auto security system. Display an alarm decal near the door handle.

• If you park in a fee garage, take the pay-ticket with you. It's the thief's ticket out of the garage, too.

• If you use valet parking, leave just the ignition key with the attendant. Make sure no identifying information is attached to the key. Do the same when you take your car for repairs.

• Carry your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.

• Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them on you with your driver's license. If your vehicle is stolen, police will need this information promptly.

• Maintain AC in good condition.

• Use special attention when departing and arriving residence, at stops, and intersections.7 Always leave space to maneuver at stops - at least half a car length. When you can see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front there is enough space to move. Don't rule out medians, yards, grass as emergency egress routes.

• Keep gas tank at least half full. Use locking gas cap.

• Use tinted windows. There are several local companies that will install.

• "Squeegee guys" - at major intersections; be firm and signal "no" by waving finger before they start to touch windows.

• Always make sure garage door has closed completely before departing.

• Stay in your vehicle until garage door closes when arriving home. Keep car in reverse to exit quickly.

• Use locking lug nuts.

• Remove U.S. stickers, license plate frames and other "foreigner" identifiers.

• Cover (with tape) or remove distinctive car emblems such as the Toyota "medallion." These are frequently stolen.

CHECK POINTS AND POLICE STOPS - WHAT TO DO

• Always have:

° Copy of passports and/or required identification

° Vehicle registration or a copy

° License

° Company or business ID.

• If you don't speak Spanish - make that clear.

• Be polite, and never, never argue.

• Be patient and note the officer's name and badge number if possible for follow-up complaints or future issues.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

• Only top quality buses should be used inter-city:

° SAENZ: for Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula (SPS).

° VIANA: for Tegucigalpa via SPS to La Ceiba.

° Hedman Alas: via major cities.

• Do not use local city buses.

• Additionally there are several quality private bus companies that specialize in travel to specific cities. Use only the best company available.

• If your children ride a school bus, have a parent or maid wait with them in the garage until they board. Have a maid or parent waiting for them in the afternoon as well.