What are two key safety considerations when conducting a vehicle stop near the border?

• A. Park far away and avoid eye contact.
• B. Never reveal your location.
• C. Maintain situational awareness, and only proceed with backup if needed.
• D. Approach with hands visible; maintain situational awareness and use backup if needed.

Answer: (D)

When stopping a vehicle near the border, the key is controlling contact while staying alert to risk. Approach with hands visible to clearly communicate non-threatening intent and reduce surprise, which helps prevent a sudden, aggressive reaction. Maintain situational awareness throughout the encounter—continuously assess the surroundings, watch for potential threats, other people, or vehicles, and keep an eye on possible escape routes or cover. Be prepared to call for backup if the situation escalates or if you sense elevated risk; having additional resources available can greatly increase safety for you and any occupants. The other options miss important safety components or suggest impractical or unsafe practices, such as limiting visibility or hiding your location, which can undermine both awareness and response capability.