Top 11 Gas Station Safety Tips

When visiting a gas station, it is essential to prioritize your safety by taking simple but effective precautions. By being aware and following certain guidelines, you can significantly minimize the risk of danger. Here are some helpful tips.

1. Always maintain your fuel level above half a tank. This precautionary measure guarantees that you will never encounter the inconvenience of running out of gas in situations such as traffic congestion or getting lost.

2. Select a gas pump that is well-lit and close to the building or attendant. It may be necessary to wait for a pump to become available, but it is worth it for the added safety and convenience.

     • Lighting: Select a gas pump that is well-lit, especially if you need to refuel during nighttime hours. A brightly lit area will make it easier for you to see what you are doing and the area around you.

     • Proximity to the building or attendant: Opt for a gas pump that is close to either the building or the attendant's booth. Being near a well-populated area reduces the likelihood of any criminal activity or theft. Additionally, if you need assistance or have any concerns, having someone nearby to help can be extremely helpful.

     • Additional security measures: Most gas stations have some level of security measures, such as surveillance cameras, security guards, or well-designed layouts that discourage theft and loitering. Prioritize these stations for added safety and peace of mind.

Remember, it is always better to prioritize your safety over a quick refill. Taking a little more time to find a well-lit and secure gas pump can help prevent potential risks and make your refueling experience more pleasant.

3. Always remove your car keys, lock your doors and roll up your windows before getting out to pump gas. Removing your keys eliminates the risk of someone driving off with your car. Locking your doors adds security, and rolling up your windows prevents tampering. By following these precautions, you can protect yourself and your car.

4. Have your self-defense weapon ready to deploy before you get out of the car. You want to be ready to defend yourself if an attacker or carjacker approaches you. Research has shown that many criminals will wait for an easier target if they see the potential victim is carrying a self-defense weapon.

5. Only take the card or cash you need to pay for your gas when you get out of the car. Stash your purse, wallet and other valuables out of sight and inside the locked car while you are filling up. Doing so will minimize the amount that can be stolen if you are held up by a thief.

6. Keep your finger positioned on the panic button located on your key fob. You will be able to quickly activate the panic alarm if you feel threatened to alert those around you.

7. If you don’t have to gas up late at night, don’t. Wait until the morning. Statistics have shown that gas station crime increases exponentially once the sun goes down and criminals have the veil of darkness.

8. Pay attention to what you are doing, get in and get out. Resist the urge to look at your phone. Make note of the type of car in front of you, behind you and the people around you. Continuously look around, checking blind spots and corners. Be aware of your proximity to other vehicles, potential hiding spots, or emergency equipment.

9. If you have to go into the gas station after re-fueling, move your vehicle to a parking spot in front of the store. Avoid long walks across the gas station parking lot and put yourself front and center.

10. Beware of skimming devices when using your credit card for payment at gas pumps. These can be detected by running your fingers around the card reader before inserting your debit or credit card. Watch out for signs of tampering, such as loose or misaligned card readers or broken security tape. To protect your PIN, cover the keypad with your hand when entering it.

11. Trust your instincts. If something feels off or unsafe, trust your gut feeling. It's better to leave the gas station or contact authorities if necessary. Don’t let your guard down even if you are at a familiar gas station during daylight hours. Criminal activities can happen at any time.