Safety Tips For Women Drivers
All drivers need to be careful on the roadways, but female drivers of all ages must be even more vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of a crime while driving, including sexual assault, carjacking, or worse. The following are several tips to help keep women safe while traveling in a vehicle - and while they may seem like common sense, it never hurts to be reminded:
1. Don't engage in road rage: It may be hard not to let your ego get involved, don't even look at someone who is trying to get your attention in an angry way. Nothing good can ever come of it. Just turn, or drive on.
2. Keep your radio at a reasonable volume when driving in neighborhoods and cities, and don't space out or check your e-mail or text messages at every stop. Carjackers and robbers rely on the element of surprise, so if you're staying alert to what's going on outside your car, bad guys won't have a chance to sneak up on you.
3. Properly secure your vehicle: You wouldn't leave your front door unlocked and your windows open at home, so get in the habit of securing your car the same way. Keep doors locked when you're driving, and windows raised. If anyone approaches your window asking for directions or money in slow or stopped traffic, take a quick glance around your vehicle to make sure you're not being distracted by one half of a team. Crack the window an inch or two instead of opening it all the way if you decide to speak to a stranger.
4. Be extra vigilant in parking lots: When shopping, put your money away at the cash register, walk with purpose to your car and don't accept "help" from strangers. Have your keys out and be ready to open your vehicle and secure packages, get in the car, close and lock the door and drive away. Don't approach your vehicle if a van or other large vehicle that wasn't there before is parked next to it. Find a security guard to walk you to your car. If a security guard isn't available, look for a nearby couple and ask for an escort. Most people will be happy to lend a moment and ensure your safety.
5. Don't assume that an unmarked vehicle with a flashing light is a police officer: If the car attempting to pull you over doesn't look like an official vehicle, keep driving, turn your inside light on and pull over only in a well-lit, populated area. Do not get out of your car, and angle the vehicle so you can drive away quickly if need be. Crack the window, ask to see the officer's ID and pay close attention to his clothes---are they worn? Do they match? If not, put up your window, drive away and call 911.
