What is a safe practice if leaving your vehicle unattended?

Engaging the parking brake is a critical safety practice when leaving a vehicle unattended. This action helps ensure that the vehicle remains stationary and does not roll away, especially on an incline. The parking brake is designed to hold the vehicle in place, providing an essential layer of safety.

While it is also important to turn off the engine to prevent fuel consumption and potential hazards, and locking the doors enhances security against theft, these actions alone do not prevent the vehicle from moving. Leaving a vehicle in neutral is not safe; it increases the risk of the vehicle rolling away without the additional support of the parking brake. Engaging the parking brake is therefore the most proactive measure to maintain the vehicle's position when left unattended.