In-car safety

Whether you are male or female, driving alone or with someone else, how can you stay safe in your car? The answer is a combination of forward planning, common sense and reacting in the correct way.

You should make sure you know how to lock the doors in a hurry if you need to; know that you don’t have to help a stranger or give them a lift; and always try to have a mobile phone with you.

Staying safe
If you are driving alone, it’s a good idea to stay vigilant at all times, particularly when parking in unfamiliar or remote places. You should keep your car in good running order, which means having enough fuel in the tank and making sure your tyres are in good condition.

Some people are concerned that someone could easily get into their car if the doors are unlocked while they are stopped at traffic lights. It’s therefore wise to keep your doors centrally-locked and the windows rolled up, because this will keep you safe if anyone tries the door.

If you break down
Carry a mobile phone and if your car breaks down, use it to call your breakdown firm, someone else who can get to you quickly or even the police if necessary.

In addition, turn on the hazard lights, lift the bonnet and then stay in your car (if safe to do so) with the doors locked until help arrives.

Also, if someone stops to help, thank them through the window, but tell them help is already on the way.

Car parks
Good advice for women parking their car alone, particularly in dimly lit indoor car parks, is to make a note of where the car was, to walk confidently and with purpose and watch carefully for people who are walking through the garage.

Keep your phone handy and make sure you stay aware of all that's around you; listen closely for anything that might be different from a normal sound.

When approaching the car, look carefully to see that there is no one close by and once you get into your car safely, lock all the doors.

Do not stop to provide directions or assistance to strangers, because you don’t know if they really need help.

Being followed
If you are followed while driving, good alternatives are to drive to somewhere safe or busy - the nearest police station, fire station, or hospital emergency entrance, or an open petrol station or shops. Then call the police on your mobile phone from your locked car. Don’t park on the street or drive home if you can avoid it.

Kitted up
Here are some car alteration ideas that could help make your vehicle more secure:

1. Tinted windows so others can’t see whether you are driving alone
2. Central locking, an immobiliser, or anti-theft devices
3. A tracking system
4. Smash-proof glass
5. Window demisters
6. Good interior lights

Remember to check with you car insurance company before making any major alterations to your car.

Five final things to bear in mind

1. If someone asks for the time or directions, remember you don’t have to stop and help
2. Think hard about the potential risk of picking up hitch-hikers
3. Whenever possible, park in well-lit areas
4. Always lock the car when you leave it
5. Make a mental note of where you park your car so you can find it quickly and easily in the dark or in quieter places

Get a car insurance quote from us in minutes with our easy to use quote form.