PERSONAL SAFETY WHILE DRIVING
Before you start
 * Where possible travel by day, on main, well used roads. Plan your route in advance and always have an up to date map with you.
* If you have to travel in darkness tell someone your destination and your expected time of arrival
* Take your mobile phone with you - and make sure it’s charged before you start your journey.
* Purchase an in-car charger. There are key ring chargers on the market now, that can act as a quick top up charge. These cost just a few pounds.
* Ensure your car is regularly serviced. Check petrol, oil, coolant levels and tyre pressures - especially before a long journey.
* Remember POWER - Petrol, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber.
* Join a breakdown organisation.
While driving
* Harassment and physical attacks are quite rare - but they can happen. Forethought can give you more confidence and minimise the risk.
* Keep the vehicle doors locked and the windows wound up - especially in built up areas and when you are in stop-go traffic.
* Tiredness can kill - take regular breaks.
* NEVER pick up hitch-hikers.
Parking
* Never leave your can unlocked - not even on a garage forecourt when you pay for petrol.
* Park in a well lit place where there are people about - especially if you don’t intend to return to your car until after dark.
* If you park in a multi storey car park choose a space close to the exit and away from the pillars. Reverse into position to give you an easy getaway. Park close to the attendant if there is one.
* Make sure you know exactly where you parked.
* If you are a woman by yourself try not to advertise the fact.
* Keep your keys and mobile phone separate from your bag if possible - so that if your bag is stolen you will be able to get home.
* If you feel unsafe in your surroundings ask a colleague or friend to walk you to your car.
* When you return to your car have your keys ready and check inside your car before getting in.
Dangerous situations
* If you are involved in an incident avoid getting into an argument with the other party.
* If confronted with road rage keep your windows closed and remain in your car with the doors locked.
* If you are having trouble with your car stop in a well lit area where there are people - preferably near a phone box. Phone for help straight away. If you are a member of a breakdown organisation and you are a lone woman or you feel vulnerable – tell them.
* Don’t give a lift to strangers. If you see another driver in difficulty do not stop. Telephone the police and report what you have seen - when it is safe to do so.
* If a car pulls up behind you or alongside you and tries to attract your attention, drive to a busy well lit area, a garage or a police station before stopping. The same applies if you feel someone is trying to intimidate you.
* If a car travels alongside you at slow speed, slow down and allow them to pass. If they are persistent drive to a busy well lit area, and call the police.
* If a car pulls in front of you and forces you to stop leave the engine running. If the occupant gets out and approaches you turn on your hazard lights, reverse as far as you can and sound the horn continuously.
* Don’t make eye contact with anyone alongside you in a traffic jam or at traffic lights.
* Never stop too close to the car in front. Always give yourself enough room to manoeuvre around the car in front without the need to reverse.
Vehicle Security
Remove the temptation
* never leave anything on display in your car - even an old coat on the back seat is an invitation to a potential thief.
* take all your belongings with you when you leave your car. If you are unable to to do so lock them in your boot at the start of your journey.
* The following items are of particular interest to the thief so should never be left in your car.
mobile phones
laptops
credit and debit cards
receipts with card numbers on
cheque books
cash
vehicle registration documents
private mail showing your address.
Security devices
Locks or other security devices will deter potential thieves - they prefer an easy target.
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