Getting out of a sticky situation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Laura E. Denis
  • 39th Security Forces Squadron
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  One member of Team Incirlik experienced a frightening situation most of us hear about but never imagine happening. An Incirlik team member and his wife were recently coming back from a movie at the M1 when a baseball-size rock was thrown into their car's front window. Although they were showered in glass and shaken up from the impact of the rock, they did not stop until they found a well lit area to report the incident and were soon met by local police.

They learned that this type of situation has occurred in the past but that people who stopped to examine their car on-scene were attacked and robbed. The local police said the unknown individuals have been known to target expensive vehicles and the MA license plates. Fortunately, the driver did not stick around to find out if he would become a victim of a possible robbery attempt. His use of safety tips and situational awareness ensured this situation did not escalate from bad to worse.

The driver was driving a new car with MA plates. Many of us can relate because we do not drive vehicles common to the area and MA plates can be spotted from a mile away. Because of this we need to ensure we are taking proper safety measures when we leave base.

Simple precautionary steps such as the ones taken during this incident can go a long way in keeping us safe and sound. Some examples of safety precautions that should be taken include:

- Designate a driver.

- Be familiar and aware of surroundings.

- Know and pre-program emergency numbers in cell phones. To call the law
enforcement desk from a cell phone dial 0322-316-3200, and from an off base phone dial 316-3200.

- Always use seatbelts, lock doors and close windows when driving.

- Travel with a group of people or with a companion.

- Drive on well lit streets.

- Know locations of police stations.

- Park in well lit areas.

- Travel on busy routes and avoid isolated and dangerous areas.

By remembering these simple safety tips while you're out and about enjoying time with family or friends, you'll avoid becoming a statistic, and will be able to enjoy.