Driving Safely

Featured in General Travel

Driving is normally a very safe activity. However, violent and aggressive incidents can happen, so avoid any unnecessary risks when out driving by being prepared.

Plan your journey carefully. Know what route you are taking and let other people know where you are going and when you hope to arrive.

 

Keep a map in the car so that you don’t have to stop and ask for directions.

 

Never leave your keys in the ignition whilst you are out of the car for any reason. Keep the doors locked when driving and keep bags and other valuables out of sight.

 

If someone approaches the car when you are parked or stopped at lights, only roll down the window enough to hear what they want but not enough for someone to get their arm through.

 

Make sure your car is serviced regularly. In winter it is especially important to keep your lights clean and your battery fully charged.

 

Check you have up-to-date breakdown cover and that you know the number to call if you break down or have an accident. If possible, carry a mobile phone with you at all times.

 

Avoid using poorly-lit car parks. Whenever possible choose a staffed car park and park as close as you can to the attendant.

 

Reverse into the space and hide all valuables.

 

Shut all windows, lock all doors and note where you have parked your car.

 

If you think someone is following you, keep driving until you come to a busy location such as a garage or motorway services. If you are really worried, drive straight to the nearest police station.

 

If a car with police light flashes for you to pull over or stop, do not stop unless you are 100% certain it is the police. Drive steadily to the nearest public place (for example a petrol station, a police station or somewhere there are a lot of people) and then stop. Signal to acknowledge the request to stop and indicate the action you are taking. Once stopped, keep the doors locked until you are happy it is the police. Have your mobile at hand just in case. You can ask to see a warrant card, which should carry a name and photograph, through the closed window.

 

If you feel threatened, make a note of the type of car and its registration number.

 

If you break down, pull as far off the road as you can and put your hazard warning lights on.  Call your breakdown organisation and let them know if you are travelling alone and if you have children with you.

 

If you break down on a motorway, it is usually safer to wait for assistance outside your vehicle, standing on the verge or behind the crash barrier. Take your keys with you and lock all doors except the one nearest to you, which you can leave wide open so that you can get in quickly if you need to.

 

If you witness an accident or someone tries to flag you down, think carefully before stopping. It may be safer to drive on and phone the police from a safe location.

If your car is hit from behind, think twice before you get out of the car. If you feel threatened, lock your doors and sound your horn to attract attention and use a mobile phone to contact the police.