As winter settles over Albuquerque, temperatures often dip below freezing, prompting many of us to warm up our cars before heading out. While this might seem like a harmless way to make chilly mornings more comfortable, it can expose you to serious risks, including vehicle theft and potential personal danger. At Women Against Crime, we’re committed to empowering women to make safe decisions, even in the face of simple everyday tasks like warming up your car.
The Risks of Warming Up Your Car Unattended In Albuquerque
Albuquerque, like many cities, experiences car theft, and unattended vehicles are prime targets. Leaving your car running with the keys inside provides an easy opportunity for thieves. Even if you lock the doors, a motivated criminal can find a way in.
An unattended, running car in your driveway or parking lot can draw the attention of individuals looking for quick opportunities. This can also put you at risk if someone waits for you to return to the car. Entering a warmed-up car that has been out of sight for several minutes could potentially expose you to danger. Someone could be waiting inside or nearby without your knowledge.
New Mexico Laws To Consider
In New Mexico, leaving your vehicle unattended with the engine running is not just a risky decision—it is also prohibited by law. According to New Mexico Statutes Section 66-7-353, drivers are required to stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the brake before leaving their vehicle unattended. Violating this law can result in fines and have far-reaching consequences, particularly in cases of theft or subsequent accidents.
The risks of leaving your car running unattended extend beyond the loss of your vehicle. The New Mexico Supreme Court, in Herrera v. Quality Pontiac (2003-NMSC-018, 134 N.M. 43, 73 P.3d 181), established that a vehicle owner or custodian who leaves the keys in the ignition of an unlocked, unattended car can be held liable for accidents caused by a thief who steals the vehicle. This ruling reflects an implicit policy within New Mexico law to deter vehicle theft by requiring individuals to take reasonable measures to secure their automobiles.
The rationale is clear: leaving a car accessible and operable increases the likelihood of opportunistic thefts that not only result in property loss but also pose significant risks to public safety. For instance, if a stolen vehicle is involved in an accident that injures another person, the original owner may be found partially responsible for the resulting damages. This underscores the importance of following the law—not only to protect your own property but also to help prevent harm to others.
How to Stay Safe During Albuquerque’s Cold Months
- Invest in a remote starter. Remote starters allow you to warm up your car while keeping it locked and secure. This eliminates the need to leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition.
- Dress warmly and skip the warm-up. While it’s tempting to step into a toasty vehicle, modern cars don’t require long warm-ups to run efficiently. Wear layers and focus on defrosting the windows instead.
- Stay visible and alert. If you must warm up your car, stay nearby and keep an eye on your surroundings. Avoid sitting in your running car for extended periods, as this can also make you a target. If you decide to stay inside your vehicle, keep the doors locked and be vigilant about your surroundings. This allows you to maintain control of the vehicle and ensure your safety.
- Use garage or covered parking. Parking in a garage or under a carport can reduce the need for lengthy warm-ups. It also minimizes exposure to frost, snow, or ice. Remember to never start your vehicle in the garage with the door shut.
If none of these options are viable for your situation, here are additional strategies you can implement to safely warm up your car during Albuquerque’s cold months:
- Manually warm up while staying inside the vehicle. Start your car and remain seated inside while it warms up.
- Use a portable windshield cover or defroster. Place a windshield cover on your car overnight to prevent frost buildup. Alternatively, use a battery-powered defroster to clear windows without needing to start the engine.
- Prepare your vehicle overnight. Park with the windshield facing east to catch morning sunlight, which can naturally help melt frost. You can also treat windows with a vinegar-water solution to reduce frost accumulation.
- Heat packs for personal warmth. Use portable hand or body warmers to keep yourself warm while waiting for your car to become drivable. These small, inexpensive packs can make chilly mornings more tolerable without compromising safety.
Be proactive about safety in your neighborhood. Report any suspicious activity to the Albuquerque Police Department to help keep your community safe.
Contact Women Against Crime Today!
The small step of deciding how to warm up your car can have a significant impact on your well-being. By staying aware and adopting safe practices, you can enjoy Albuquerque’s winter season without unnecessary risks. Take control of your safety today. Contact us today to sign up for a self-defense class or learn more about our mission to protect and empower women across Albuquerque!
