Being a Woman and Driving Alone

First...if you happen to notice a car following you at a close distance and they make every move you do, head for the nearest police station or well lit convenient store. If you go to a police station, do not get out of the car. If there are no police officers going in or out, honk you horn to get their attention and let them come to you. Explain your situation, and if at all possible have them follow you the rest of the way home.

Second...make you a "friend" to take with you. Simply take something and make it look like a male passenger riding with you. Make sure to put a ball cap on "him" and pull it down over "his" face so it looks like "he" is sleeping.

Third...always have your cell phone charged or have a car charger with you. Keep it out of your purse and within reach at all times. It may even be a good idea to purchase a cell phone holder for your vehicle. These can be purchased at almost any store where cell phones are sold. If you do not have a holder but have a charger for your vehicle, keep the phone attached to the charger so that it will not "get away from you" in the event of an accident et cetera. Most cell phones now have protection on them to keep the battery from over charging.

Fourth...always keep an emergency kit with you. This is not just medication, bandages et cetera. You also need to carry flares, food, water, blankets, flashlights, and extra batteries.

Fifth...if you find yourself broken down at night, do not get out of the car for anyone. Only put out flares if there is no one around who might bother you. First thing you should do is call for help. Your best bet is to call 911 and see if an officer will come to where you are broken down and stay with you until other help arrives. Make sure you always have a trusted tow truck service's number in your cell phone.

Sixth...if you are broken down and someone stops to help, never get out of the vehicle. Roll the window down just a few inches, making sure the person cannot get his/her hand through the window. If you do not have a cell phone ask them to make a call for you.

Seventh...it might actually pay to take a car repair course so you will be able to detect, and maybe even fix, some small problem such as a dead battery or radiator hose breaking et cetera.

Eighth...never ever give anyone your home address or even phone number if they stop to help. Again, your best bet here is to have them call 911 and see if an officer can come stay with you until you get other help. If they offer to let you use their phone, do not call your home phone number, work phone number, or even another cell phone number, call 911 only.

Ninth...now common sense should tell you that in today's society, you should never ever accept a ride from a stranger. Most of the time when someone gives you tips they say do not accept a ride from a male stranger. I say do not accept a ride from any stranger.

Tenth...use your common sense in a situation such as a break down or someone following you. Never get out of the vehicle to confront them. Never let someone you do not know in your vehicle. If they try to tell you that they need to get into your vehicle because the problem may be inside, here is where common sense should really "kick in". Even if you know nothing about vehicles, you should know enough to figure out that that would not be true. Never believe someone if they try to tell you that.

Yes, being a woman and driving at night or even alone can be scary at times. Just follow these few tips, use your head, and stay calm, and you should be alright.

Source(s):
Personal experience; having several friends who are police officers