5 driving tips for safe shopping during December

Darkness is drawing in again as we enter the last few months of the year, and the annual challenges of completing our Christmas shopping lie ahead. Crowded centres, congested roads and car parks, and unfortunately car break-ins which could increase this year as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

UK Dash Cam firm Nextbase have collaborated with top road cop Ben Pearson to pull together five tips for keeping you and your car safe when shopping this season. Following this advice could prevent you being one of the 15,000 cars targeted by thieves in December and help you avoid dangerous situations on the road.

1. Plan ahead to avoid congestion

With a 50% rise in shoppers in market towns last Christmas and retail park visitor numbers up year-on-year, nowhere escapes seeing more cars on the road in December. Whether you’re heading to a local spot or journeying down the motorway to a major city, you could get snarled up in traffic.

Plan a potential route well in advance and check this against a mobile map just before you head out. The maps give you an insight into real-time road conditions, including any roadworks, reports of collisions and congestion. If your planned route is looking problematic, they will offer several routes with estimate journey times so you can compare and select the best option for you.

2. Stay alert in busy car parks

When you arrive at your destination, remember that the most dangerous part of any drive is the final few moments when you’re most at risk of losing concentration. Look out for vehicles fighting for spaces and remember to stay patient: it’s better to wait than risk hitting another car and having to organise expensive repairs or claim on your insurance.

Be aware of pedestrians moving about too, whether you’re in a car park or pulling up on a street. They may be all-but-invisible in dark clothes and hoods, so drive slowly and check thoroughly before pulling into a parking space.

3. Secure your belongings and car

It might sound obvious, but the most straightforward way to safeguard your vehicle against burglary is to keep it locked whenever you’re away from it. This means even those brief moments, such as when you’re returning your trolley. Thieves will look out for unattended goods and can make a snatch faster than you might think, especially under cover of darkness.

Other tips for theft deterrence include:

• Keeping your bags in the boot or out of sight in footwells, not on seats
• Utilise physical security devices like steering wheel locks
• Park in a well-lit area, under a lamp if possible
• Choose patrolled car parks rather than side streets when available

4. Use technology to enhance safety

In addition to physical safety measures, you should embrace electronic defences like your car alarm and could look at investing in advanced technology to protect your vehicle further.

If you have a modern vehicle with smart technology, consider the danger of electronic hacking. Use a signal-blocking pouch or metal tin to store the key fob when not in use to prevent signal relay. Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your vehicle to capture the signal, and they can use devices to replicate it and break in at a later date.

You could install a front and rear dash cam to record footage around your car which acts as a deterrent and could provide valuable evidence should minor disputes occur, or someone attempt to gain unauthorised access to your vehicle. According to a Freedom of Information request made by Nextbase, only 1% of people are charged in cases of vehicle theft, usually due to a lack of evidence.

5. Prepare for unpredictable weather

It’s best practice to carry an emergency kit in your car year-round, but this is especially important in winter. Bad weather can increase the likelihood of accidents and breakdowns, and leave you exposed to cold, wet conditions should you get stuck. Always carry snacks and water, warm layers and a phone charger, as well as your warning triangle and details of your breakdown cover.

You can reduce the risk of accidents in winter by thoroughly vetting your vehicle before hitting the road. A basic vehicle safety check should encompass your tyres (pressure and tread), lights and fluid levels including fuel.