What women need to know about driving alone

Tips for women driving alone

All motorists need to be careful on the road, but female drivers have to be doubly vigilant. It is a sad reality, but women drivers are at risk when driving on their own, especially at night.

The team at Imperial Auto has compiled some travel tips to help you stay safe when driving alone:

Do your homework: Plan your route ahead of time. Knowing where you’re going will not only cut down on travelling time but it will ensure you don’t get lost.
Always alert someone when you are departing and give them an estimated time of arrival. Make sure to include all the details of your trip including any stops you may make along the way.
Ensure you have enough fuel to get you to your destination.
Check your vehicles basic safety features before departing. Make sure that your lights and hazards are working properly as well ensure that your tyres are in good condition.
Avoid driving on unmarked routes and back roads at night.
Keep a safe distance to the car ahead of you at intersections so you can easily pull away and check your blind spots for potential hijackers approaching you.
Take note of landmarks and be aware of your surroundings. This makes it easier for you to explain to someone where you are should you get lost.
Ensure your vehicle is locked at all times (many vehicles have self-locking doors which is very handy) and make sure your windows are not open all the way down, especially when you approach intersections.
Be wary about offering rides to hitchhikers. Unfortunately, we live in a country that doesn’t allow us to be “good Samaritans”.
Do not text and drive. Not only does it distract you from driving and is likely to cause an accident, you will be unaware of what is happening around you, and may not notice smash-and-grabbers, for example.
Do not leave your handbag and any other valuable items such as laptops on your passenger seat – rather put them in your boot. Leaving them in view of passers-by makes you a big target for smash and grabs.
Make sure your cell phone is charged or buy a car charger.
Have your two or 3 closest family members or friends readily on speed dial; to avoid delays in panic situations.
Lastly, do not assume that an unmarked vehicle with flashing lights is a police car. If you are not sure and a suspicious looking “police vehicle” tries to pull you over, keep on driving with your hazards on until you can pull over in a well-lit area such as a fuel station or closest police station.