Should You Lock Your Doors When Driving

You're driving down the road, and a thought pops into your head: "Should I lock my doors?" It seems like a simple question, but it can have significant implications for your safety and security. The answer, in short, is a resounding yes. Locking your doors while driving is a fundamental safety precaution that can prevent potential harm from unexpected situations. It’s important to understand why this simple act can be so crucial for your well-being on the road.

Symptoms of Not Locking Your Doors

While "symptoms" might seem like an odd term in this context, think of it as identifying scenarios where the lack of locked doors becomes a clear disadvantage or risk:

Feeling Vulnerable: A general sense of unease, especially when driving in unfamiliar or high-traffic areas.
Encountering Aggressive Panhandlers: Individuals approaching your car at intersections or stoplights and attempting to open your doors.
Attempted Carjacking: A direct physical threat where someone tries to forcibly enter your vehicle.
Theft of Personal Belongings: Opportunistic thieves reaching into your car at a stop to grab a purse, phone, or other valuables.
Increased Risk in an Accident: In a collision, unlocked doors can increase the likelihood of ejection or being thrown around inside the vehicle, potentially exacerbating injuries.
Accidental Door Opening: Particularly relevant for children in the backseat. Unlocked doors are easier for them to open unintentionally, especially on older vehicles with weaker latches.

Root Cause: Why Locking Your Doors Matters

The primary reason to lock your doors is to create a physical barrier against unwanted intrusions. This barrier serves several critical functions:

Deters Opportunistic Crime: A locked door presents an obstacle for thieves looking for an easy target. They're more likely to move on to an unlocked vehicle.
Provides a Buffer in Aggressive Situations: If someone approaches your car with hostile intent, a locked door buys you valuable time to assess the situation, react, and potentially escape.
Prevents Accidental Entry: Even without malicious intent, someone could accidentally bump into your car or lean against a door, potentially causing it to open if unlocked.
Enhances Child Safety: Prevents children from inadvertently opening doors while the vehicle is in motion, a particularly dangerous scenario.
Offers a Sense of Security: Knowing your doors are locked can provide a psychological sense of safety and control, reducing anxiety and allowing you to focus on driving.

Consider the environment you're driving in. Densely populated urban areas, high-crime neighborhoods, and even seemingly safe suburban streets can present risks. Criminals often target vulnerable individuals, and an unlocked car is an invitation. Furthermore, aggressive panhandling has become increasingly common in many cities, and locking your doors is a simple way to avoid potentially confrontational situations.

Consequences of Ignoring This Precaution

The potential consequences of not locking your doors range from minor inconveniences to serious threats to your safety and well-being:

Theft of Valuables: Losing your purse, wallet, phone, or other belongings can be a significant financial and emotional burden.
Damage to Your Vehicle: An attempted break-in can result in damage to your door, window, or locking mechanism.
Personal Injury: In the worst-case scenario, an attempted carjacking or assault could lead to physical harm.
Emotional Trauma: Even without physical injury, experiencing a threatening situation in your car can be deeply unsettling and leave lasting emotional scars.
Increased Insurance Premiums: A theft or attempted break-in can lead to higher insurance premiums.

Recommended Fixes: A Proactive Approach

The "fix" is simple and preventative: always lock your doors when you get in the car and keep them locked while driving. However, we can break this down into a few actionable steps to ensure consistent safety:

Habit Formation: Make locking your doors a part of your pre-driving checklist. Just like buckling your seatbelt, it should become an automatic response.
Automatic Locking Systems: Most modern vehicles have automatic door locking features. Familiarize yourself with your car's system and ensure it's enabled. Some vehicles lock automatically when the car reaches a certain speed (e.g., 15 mph), while others may require manual activation.
Central Locking System Check: Regularly test your central locking system to ensure all doors lock and unlock properly. If you notice any issues, have them addressed by a qualified mechanic.
Remote Key Fob Functionality: Ensure your key fob is functioning correctly and that you can lock and unlock your doors remotely. Replace the battery if needed.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your environment, especially in unfamiliar or high-risk areas. Be extra vigilant about locking your doors in these situations.
Child Safety Locks: If you have children, utilize the child safety locks on the rear doors to prevent them from opening the doors from the inside.
Practice Situational Awareness: Look around and see what’s going on. If someone is approaching your vehicle, be prepared to take evasive action.

It's also important to be aware of common scams used by criminals. For example, some may stage a minor accident or create a distraction to get you to exit your vehicle, leaving it vulnerable to theft. Always be cautious and assess the situation before getting out of your car.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

Locking your doors is free! The preventative measure itself costs nothing. However, if you have issues with your locking system, here's a general idea of potential costs:

Key Fob Battery Replacement: $5 - $20 (can often be done yourself)
Key Fob Programming/Replacement: $50 - $300 (depending on the vehicle and complexity)
Central Locking System Repair: $100 - $500+ (depending on the nature of the problem; could involve replacing actuators, wiring, or the control module)
Door Lock Actuator Replacement: $150 - $400 per door (labor and parts)

Shop Advice: If you're experiencing issues with your locking system, it's best to consult with a reputable mechanic. Don't delay, as a malfunctioning locking system compromises your safety. When getting estimates, ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs, including parts and labor. A trustworthy mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and provide you with a fair price.

Credibility and Common Issues

While there's no single TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that mandates locking your doors (it's a common-sense safety practice), numerous TSBs address issues related to malfunctioning door lock actuators, central locking systems, and key fobs. For example, many manufacturers have issued bulletins addressing issues with door lock actuators failing due to corrosion or electrical problems. These bulletins often provide guidance on diagnosis and repair procedures.

Data from law enforcement agencies and insurance companies consistently shows that unlocked vehicles are a significantly more attractive target for thieves. Furthermore, accident statistics reveal that occupants of unlocked vehicles are more likely to be ejected or sustain serious injuries in a collision.

Common mileage for door lock actuator failure varies depending on the vehicle make and model, but it's not uncommon to see issues arise around 75,000 - 150,000 miles. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating door hinges and latches, can help to prevent premature failure.

Final Thoughts

Locking your doors while driving is a simple yet critical safety measure. It's a proactive step that can deter crime, protect you in emergencies, and provide peace of mind. Make it a habit, ensure your locking systems are functioning properly, and always be aware of your surroundings. This small action can make a big difference in your safety and security on the road.