It’s not just other drivers you need to look out for on the road – you need to take care of your own safety, too. Follow these steps to ensure your personal safety when you’re driving:
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Plan your route so you get safely from A to B without needing to stop for directions.
- Tell someone – a friend or family member – where you’re going.
- Before you set off, check your car’s oil, water, petrol and tyres are all good.
- Charge your mobile before you set off so you can make an emergency call if needed.
- Keep valuables, like a handbag, sat-nav or iPhone, out of sight inside your car.
- Driving through built-up areas, keep your windows up and doors locked.
- Suspect you’re being followed? Drive to a busy area, like a pub or garage, and seek help.
- Has someone flagged you down? Is it genuine? Drive on to a busy area to alert other people or use your mobile to call for help.
- Have you been stopped or have you broken down? Do not open the doors. Open the window just enough to talk.
- If you break down on a motorway, stand on the grass verge, getting out via the passenger side of your car.
- Never take a lift from a stranger or give a lift to a hitch hiker.
- Think before parking: will the area be badly lit when you return?
- Reverse in to a parking space so you can make a speedy exit if necessary.
- When you return to your parked car or motorbike, have your key ready.
- Join a national breakdown organisation and carry your membership card.