VEHICLE SECURITY

· Keep doors locked.

· Keep windows rolled up. Maintain AC in good condition.

· Use special attention when departing and arriving residence, at stops, and intersections.· 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 ½ full. Use locking gas cap.

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

· Breakdown: Consider subscribing to a private emergency service, such as AMI (Alerta Movil Inmedrata), and contact them. Carry spare tire and other emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit, in your vehicle at all times.

· "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.

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

· If your car has an alarm, activate it and use any other locking devices such as The Club or brake & clutch locking devices such as the "Unbreakable Auto Lock", even in your garage.

· 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.

· When parking, look for a space that is well-lighted with guards. The better restaurants and stores all have armed guards.

CHECK POINTS AND POLICE STOPS - WHAT TO DO

· Always have:

* 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 Tegus to San Pedro Sula (SPS)
VIANNA: for Tegus 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.

TAXIS
· In Tegucigalpa, only use "Radio Taxi" tel 225-5563, white-colored, vehicle clearly marked with the rooster logo.
· Never ride in front seat.
· Never enter a cab that has a passenger already inside.
· Look for Driver I.D. on top rightside of windshield.
· Always agree on price before embarking.
· If radio taxis are not available, as an alternative, contact a taxi at an established and marked taxi stand.
· Stop and exit if you smell alcohol.
· Use safety belts whenever available. Additionally, the theft of parked vehicles continues to take place in and around Tegucigalpa, (and San Pedro Sula and other cities) - including near the Mall Multiplaza in spite of the presence of some private security. We would like to remind everyone that its a important to have insurance, an alarm system, a physical blocking device such as "The Club" for the steering wheel or a similar device for the clutch/brake pedal such as the
Unbreakable Autolock and tinted widows. Tinted windows are important for several reasons - they obscure the number and gender of occupants, deter smash and grab thefts because the thief can't see inside, keep the vehicle cooler and, on bright days or in well lit areas have a mirror-like effect that helps the driver or passenger to watch for anyone behind them (check their "six") while approaching and entering the vehicle.


RSO: Revised 8/13/04
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