Safety Tips: Driving alone and vehicle maintence

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to have a quick post on safety. Specifically vehicle safety. Not on your driving; though turn signals and reasonable speeds aren't bad things! Instead, I want to focus on safety and a women alone. 

Sorry to any men out there reading this, but statistics put females at greater risks.

Women tend to get distracted and to be too nice. Traits that can be extremely dangerous to a woman alone.

A woman alone with her child in a parking garage is a target. A single female in a parking lot is a target. Now is not the time to have headphones on or be oblivious to your surroundings.

In addition to trying to make sure you are safe while entering/leaving your car, there is also making sure your vehicle is well maintained to help ensure your safety.

Parking:

Avoid parking where there isn't a lot of traffic or light. Dark, lonely spots like parking lots and parking garages can be extremely dangerous places.

Be aware of your surroundings. Do you feel like someone is following you? Try to be alert when getting into and out of a vehicle - it is a opportunity for someone to attack you while you're distracted.
Is there a car parked next to you that gives you some unease? Try getting in through the passenger side. 

Make sure you carry your keys in between your fingers or have your cell phone ready to dial 911 if you're someplace you feel unsafe.

Don't tarry after you get in your car. Women have a tendency to stay in their vehicle while it's parked. This can give an attacker a chance to break in. If you do stay in your car while it's parked, make sure the doors are at least locked!

Hide your valuables. It can be as simple as storing your cds/iPod and making sure your shopping bags are hidden, but your car is more likely to be broken into if thieves can see easily transported items just laying around.

Check your back seat before you get in the car. An attacker can hide in your back seat and after you're on the road take you hostage.

Keep your doors locked and windows up when parked. Even at a stop light attackers have been known to jump into an unlocked car or to reach through an open window.

Maintence:

• Get your tires rotated.
• Change your oil.
• Check your gas gauge.
• Make sure all your lights in the car work. This means headlights, brake-lights, taillights, turn signals, etc. 
• Pay attention to your brakes. This is not a part of the car that failing to work means a minor nuisance.
• Are your tires in good shape? Not only are damaged tires dangerous, tires that are in poor shape can cost you money.
• Check the fluids in your car.

Most of these things are simple enough you can do it yourself (don't tell me you can't check a light and make sure your tank is full!) and things like checking your fluids or changing your oil aren't difficult to do yourself. If you don't feel like getting your hands dirty or don't feel confident, just about everything here is relatively inexpensive. And maintaining your car means money saved in the long run and makes sure it won't break down, leaving you stranded in a bad location.

Keep a few supplies in your car at all times, just in case of an emergency. You can't plan for every possible outcome, but you can think ahead for some. Such as; keep a few non-perishable snacks and some water with you when you travel. 

A blanket is very useful, even when it's not an emergency! I use mine for naps when someone is driving, picnics and to tuck over my shopping bags/purse when I leave them in the car. 

Flares and jumper cables are inexpensive and invaluable to have on hand. There are even complete emergency car kits you can buy.

My last tip is one my parents taught me. If you are ever pulled over by a police officer and something doesn't feel right -it's rare, but there have been cases where attackers have posed as police officers - ask to follow them to the nearest police station. A real officer will be willing to let you. 


These are just a few tips - there are many more out there! I don't want to you feel afraid, I want you to feel confident that whatever situation you are in, you are able to handle it. Be prepared!

If you have any other suggestions or advice, please leave a comment! I'm a female who drives by herself a lot of the time too!

Best wishes,

Elisabeth