15 Road Survival Tips from Andy McNab
1: Be prepared with a fully comprehensive trauma kit
This should include dressing, crepe bandages, plasma and syringes to ensure that what is entering you is sterile
2: Know your blood type
And the blood type of people you're travelling with in case of any emergencies
3: Visit www.globalintake.com
The site provides current political analysis, risk assessment and prevention, security and medical advice and practical in-country information so that you know the dangers in each area
4: Know your route inside out
Remember that the nearest place for help might be behind you
5: Head for safety if in danger
The safest places will be those with the biggest international hotels, diplomatic centres and embassies due to heightened security
6: Your car is your safe
Try to always keep protection by keeping your windows up and not getting out of the car if you sense danger or if in a traffic jam
7: Treat everything with suspicion
Don't take any unnecessary risks which could put you in danger
8: Keep your windows shut in traffic
Car jacking is rife in the Middle East and car jackers will look for vehicles with their windows down and then approach them with pliers which they use to grab the ear of the driver whose immediate instinct is to get out of the car
9: Keep a gap between you and the car in front in traffic jams
This will give you room to manoeuvre if necessary and get out of a risk situation
10: Never nosey park
Always reverse into a parking space to allow you to get out quickly if necessary
11: Go for the chin if you need self defence
Put your palm under the assailant's chin and force their neck backwards which will set them off balance and cause them to fall to the floor, thus buying you time
12: Always carry protection
Try to carry at least one of the following which can be used if in danger:
- aerosol spray (pepper spray ideal)
- axe
- extended baton
13: At police check points, try to avoid a search
Appease the police by:
- Taking sunglasses off
- Smiling
- Showing your hands
- Keeping everything old in view and putting the more expensive items below
- Taking cigarettes with you to use as bribery
14: Get extra sets of keys cut
These can then be hidden in different places in case a set is lost or stolen
15: Distribute money throughout the car
Keep some money in your pockets which can be used as bribe money if needed. This money should always be in small notes so it looks more than it actually is
