5 Safety Tips for Women Who Drive Alone

Regardless of how far you travel, you must be alert when behind the wheel. Women are targets for sexual assault, hijacking, rape, and other criminal activity, and when you drive alone you place yourself in a vulnerable position. To prevent any dangerous activity from happening to you, here are several safety tips to keep you safe when driving alone.

 

Always Lock Your Car Doors

Even when you are behind the wheel and driving, it is crucial that you lock your car doors. You may pull up to a stop sign or sit at a crosswalk and an attacker can easily jump into your car, demanding you do as he says. Locking the car doors is a simple action and can save your life and your vehicle.

 

Always Look in the Backseat

Even if you hop into your vehicle in the middle of the day, you should develop a habit to look in your backseat. Hijackers and attackers may hide in the backseat until the right moment. This is particularly important for quick stops such as running into the gas station, going into a rest area, etc. Attackers know these stops are often quick and you are less likely to worry about locking your vehicle’s doors. Plus, in many situations, they don’t have to wait long for you to come back to your vehicle.

 

Call for Backup

If your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road, make sure to call for assistance whether from a police officer, family member, or a friend who lives nearby. Some men may offer to help but take advantage of these situations, particularly if you are all alone and on a road that is not traveled often.

 

Never Pull Over for Someone Signaling to You

Some incidents occur because the attacker flashes or signals a woman to alert her that there is something wrong with the vehicle. If this happens to you, never pull over to the side of the road, particularly if nobody else is around and it is dark outside. Unless you sense immediate danger, continue driving to a safe place such as a police station or the middle of a busy parking lot with security cameras.

 

Be Cautious of Where You Park

When you finally reach your destination, be cautious of where you leave your vehicle. Where you park can make yourself vulnerable to muggings, rape, and assault. To keep yourself safe, you want to avoid dark and isolated areas. You want to park near a street light and in the most populated areas possible. If it is late at night, ask for someone to walk you to your vehicle or arrive with a friend.

Driving by yourself shouldn’t make you feel uncomfortable and scared. However, there are dangers that you need to be aware of. By being alert and aware of your surroundings and establishing a few safety habits, you can increase your safety when alone in a car.