Former United Nations Security Chief, and president of executive protection firm, McCann Protective Services, http://www.mccannps.com, Michael McCann has witnessed every conceivable driving mishap by executives and diplomats. McCann believes that personal security is a sacred responsibility for all American business travelers and vital for promoting American economic and commercial interests worldwide. As the fall season approaches and business travel continues to flourish, McCann offers up the top ten mistakes driving business executives make so that a safer autumn can be enjoyed by all.
“Effective security precautions for driving require a conscious awareness of one’s environment, as well as the need to exercise advance planning, prudence, judgment and common sense,†says Michael McCann, president of McCann Protective Services, which rolled out DriverGuard earlier this year, http://www.driverguard.net, which provides a complete range of driving services and vehicles to address any scenario. “This is especially true where the traveler must acclimate to different cultures, customs and laws. “People driving abroad on business, or in unfamiliar routes here in the United States, should chart their travel ahead of time to ensure that they drive on main roadways and avoid poorly lit streets where they may be vulnerable to predators,†adds McCann.
According to McCann, the top ten mistakes business executives while driving are:
1) Being Carjack Bait by Failing to Maintain Distance from Other Cars – “Potential carjacking situations can be avoided by maintaining your car’s distance from other vehicles,†says Michael McCann. “Do not stop directly behind the vehicle in front of you, and leave room to go around them even if you need to drive on the sidewalk or over the curb. You want to be able to go around the car in front if the driver stops short. With carjacking, the car in front often stops and the second car blocks you from the rear.â€
2) Driven to Rural Outposts – Preparation is key when driving in unfamiliar territory. McCann advises to maintain a steady course on highly populated major roadways. “Avoid driving on poorly lit streets; particularly when you are out of your normal element. Your unsteady, unsure driving could attract predators,†says McCann. “You need to learn about region you’re driving in before you arrive. Learn what areas are unsafe or unsavory at night.â€
3) Stopping at Every Red Light – “While it’s certainly not advisable to run a red light, it’s best to time your arrival at each intersection to meet a green light,†advises McCann. “Every moment that your car idles at a red light, provides opportunity for predators to ambush you.â€
4) Failure to Keep Vehicle Mechanically Fit and Not being “Tanked Upâ€- “If you’re driving your own car on business, it’s imperative that the vehicle be professionally maintained,†advises McCann. “If you’re renting a car, opt for the newest models that are available. While you need to be sober while driving, you’ll want your car to filled up to the rim with a full tank of gas,†says McCann. “Don’t wait until your car is below a half a tank.â€
5) Driving A Rolls When a Honda Will Do – “While it’s an ego boost to drive a high status car, it’s also a red alert to criminals. Avoid the ‘bling’ when renting, leasing or buying automobiles for business travel, and ride reliable, high quality automobiles that won’t attract undue attention,†advises McCann.
6) Failure to Keep Safety Equipment Onboard– “When driving, you should maintain your safe driving arsenal including flashlight, spare tire that’s not flat, jumper cables, first aid kit, maps, and if possible, invest in a Global Positioning System (GPS),†says McCann. “Travel with a mobile telephone and spend the extra money on a car charger for the telephone when you purchase a new mobile telephone.â€
7) Parking in Dark Areas – “A common mistake is to part a vehicle in the day time without thinking whether your parking area is remote and in an unlit area come evening,†says McCann. “Be sure to park where there are attendants nearby, and find out if you’re parking where an attendant is on duty 24 hours a day.â€
8) Failure to Check the Car and Back Seat before Entering the Vehicle– “Predators like to hide in the back seat or any other roomy area in a vehicle that may be undetected,†says McCann. “Never leave a pocketbook or backpack on the front seat. Even if windows are closed, it’s a common practice for thieves to smash the window, reach into the vehicle and steal the purse or other personal belongings.â€
9) Driving Solo Sans Strangers – “Sometimes it is unavoidable to drive solo, but there is always safety in numbers,†says McCann. “Whenever possible, drive with a fellow passenger or two. However, that doesn’t mean picking up hitchhikers. Never stop your vehicle to offer assistance to a hitchhiker, or provide a lift. Make a mobile call to help them if needed, but never provide ground transport to a stranger.â€
10) Failure to Send SOS – “If you’re being forced off the road, be sure to engage in a defensive driving ‘SOS’ – make noise, flash your lights, and find a well lit, populated place to pull into. Find out what shops are open light if coming home at night. Do not try to be smart and throw your keys away so a car-jacker can’t take the car. Your life is worth more than your car. If you are facing a car-jacker, don’t make any quick moves. Be sure to tell the car jacker you are removing your seat belt, for example, as you don’t want him to think you are going for a gun. Get out of the car as the majority of injuries occurs when someone is pulled from the car and dragged because their seat belt catches on their clothes or is not released.â€
“Defensive driving demands being an educated driver,†says Michael McCann. “Keep your doors locked when driving, and watch the rear view mirror to gauge suspicious surveillance. Carry a telephone number to a taxi service that serves where you are traveling and know their hours of operation Know in advance the different between an ‘authorized’ police check point and a ‘random unauthorized’ checkpoint before setting out on a route.†McCann’s responsibilities at McCann Protective Services include executive protection for VIPS, Diplomats, CEO’s, celebrities, and other high profile individuals and their families.
McCann Protective Services offers DriverGuard, a premium service that ensures that passengers are kept safe and secure in the busiest of traffic and arrive at their destination relaxed and ready to engage in business or pleasure.
“It is a disturbing fact of life that having a high profile corporate image, being famous or simply financially secure, can make someone a victim of their own success,†says Michael McCann, president of McCann Protective Services and the former chief of security for the United Nations. “Our DriverGuard program ensures the complete safety of our clients on the road and minimizes opportunities for potential assailants who may view this executive as a ransom source or the subject of a grudge.â€
“DriverGuard employs highly skilled drivers who are law-enforcement professionals and counter terrorism experts,†says Jack J. O’Connor, co-founder of McCann Protective Services and founder of OCS Security. “The training of DriverGuard personnel includes counter surveillance techniques and advanced driving skills that go way beyond the capabilities of the ordinary driver. We are offering this premium service due to client demand.†DriverGuard provides a wide-range of mobile support including:
• Security Chauffeurs
• VIP Anti-Hijack Security Drivers
• Secure Courier Service
• High value load escorts
• Any type or make of vehicle can be supplied on request
DriverGuard security drivers are available to drive the client’s vehicle or one of the company’s fully armored vehicles that include satellite tracking systems. All of the company’s vehicles are fitted with the latest cutting edge satellite tracking system currently available. A range of tracking/location solutions can be provided offering protection for the individual in all environments.
About McCann Protective Services
Founded in September 2005 by Michael McCann and Jack O’Connor, McCann Protective Services delivers discreet and customized security services for the diplomatic community, corporate executives, celebrities and their families. McCann Protective Services is located at 99 Madison Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit McCann Protective Services website at: http://www.mccannps.com