Being safe when driving is essential for anybody. Women driving alone at night need to be particularly cautious. It’s a sad reality that there are people out there who will take advantage of a woman driving by herself. However, this should not put you off from doing it. There are many things you can do to keep yourself safe. You just have to use your common sense and follow the tips below.
1. Keep your vehicle fully maintained.
This is an important tip. It can be scary to breakdown in the middle of nowhere or in an unfamiliar location. Keeping your car fully fueled and having regular maintenance checks is vital. If you notice something isn’t quite right with your car, get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Don’t leave it. It may be a serious issue that could get worse.
It’s important to have some basic knowledge about your vehicle to keep it maintained. Check dealership websites for full details for your car’s specifications, like this one for the 2016 Subaru Forester. It may also be beneficial to research issues other people have had with the same model. This will help you notice the warning signs before they get worse.
2. Locking your doors
Whenever you leave your vehicle, always ensure your doors are locked. You don’t want to make it easy for thieves to steal your valuables or your car itself. When you are walking back to your car, have your keys out ready. When you get into the car, lock the doors. A thief could take the opportunity to open your car door and steal your bag when you stop at a red light or when you are pulled over.
3. Hide your valuables
Don’t leave shopping bags or Sat Navs on display in your car. Some people won’t think twice about breaking your windows and grabbing what you’ve left inside. Keep your valuables hidden by locking items in the boot of your car. A break in makes your car vulnerable and more appealing for other thieves. Avoid this from happening by always hiding your belongings.
4. Full battery on your phone
Try to keep a full battery on your phone. You don’t want to breakdown and not be able to call for help. It’s also useful to have your phone in case your Sat Nav breaks, or you get lost. Invest in a portable battery charger that you can keep in your car. Remember always to keep your phone and charger out of sight.
5. Be wary of everyone
Majority of the time people will be genuine and just want to help if you get into trouble. But others may try to manipulate the situation. It’s important to be cautious of strangers, no matter how genuine they appear. Never pick up hitchhikers or people who appear stranded. Thieves are smart and will make themselves seem vulnerable to make you stop. If you are concerned about someone who seems stranded, call the police instead. It’s safer for you to drive past and call for help rather than get out of your car and intervene.
These are just five tips you should follow when driving alone, particularly at night. Just take the right precautions and always inform someone of your route beforehand.
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