Considerations for use of vehicles
RST: Residential security team / OP: Operative / IED: Improvised explosive device
Check the area before around the vehicle before you approach it.
Trained persons to sweep of vehicle prior to use for IEDs, electronic listening/tracking devices.
Everyone should know the emergency signals in the event of trouble.
Whenever possible, use a security-trained driver.
Spare set of keys to be with the BG.
Be aware of the vehicle’s capabilities; make sure the driver has experience with that type of vehicle.
Always drive safely and travel at the maximum, safest speed, within the legal speed limit of the country.
Always carry out basic maintenance checks, before you go anywhere.
Always check that communications work, before leaving a safe location.
Know your routes and keep maps in vehicle for areas to be visited.
Book out with RST or OPs commander before leaving the residence.
Inform the security personnel/advance security at a location 10 to 15 minutes, before your arrival.
Constantly check behind you, when driving and be suspicious of motorbikes, especially with two people on them.
Make full use of mirrors; put a mirror on the passenger side for the use of the BG.
Regularly carry out counter-surveillance drills and be watching for anyone following you.
Keep a sensible distance from the car in front, so you can drive around it, in an emergency and avoid being blocked by other vehicles.
Never drink and drive and no smoking or eating while driving.
Vehicle fuel tank is not to go below half full; know where all gas stations are along your route.
If traveling with a client, do not the play radio unless requested to do so.
Only speak to the client, if he speaks to you and do not use your cellular phone in the car for personal use.
The vehicle should be at comfortable temperature, before the client enters.
Lock all doors after the client enters and keep doors locked when traveling between locations.
Do not open windows more than an inch and do not open the sunroof, so things can not be thrown in.
Try not to use isolated roads and in bad weather.
Always be prepared to take evasive action and be aware of danger points on your routes.
Blend in with your environment; don’t drive flash cars in poor areas, etc.
Be suspicious of all roadblocks, temporary traffic lights, car accidents, etc.
Never stop to pick up hitchhikers or help other motorists, as these could be covers for ambushes or car jackings.
Keep vehicle keys secure and know who has all the spare keys.
Remember others can monitor tracking devices and get the details of where you are and your routine.
Be extra vigilant at traffic lights and in slow moving traffic.
Keep the vehicle in a locked garage when not in use and lock doors and boot.
Wherever legal, reverse park; this will help a fast get away.
Stop vehicles as close to the entrances/exits as possible, this limits exposure time on the street.
Always use of seat belts, especially when driving at speed and taking evasive action.
Keep a safety knife at hand to cut away seat belt and break windows in the case of a crash.
Fit a loud siren and lights to alert others and surprise attackers in the case of an emergency.
Have alternative routes prepared that have been driven and checked.
Drive towards the center of the road, have space for evasive maneuvers.
Driver to stay with the vehicle and behind wheel unless told otherwise, BG always opens client’s door not driver.
