3 Safety Tips for Women Driving Alone

There is strength in numbers and vulnerability in isolation. If I go on an errand by myself, I hate constantly looking behind my back because I have a nagging fear of what could happen to me. I really struggled specifically with driving alone. What ended up helping me was keeping a checklist of things I could do to stay safe and on guard. For those like me who want to be vigilant, here are my safety tips for women driving alone.

Maintain Your Car to Prevent Getting Stuck Roadside

Women are most at risk when they’re not in the safety of their cars. When your car breaks down or you get a flat, y’all can’t help but check what’s wrong by yourself, though. To prevent getting stranded on the side of the road and exposing yourself, maintain your car so it never breaks down. Be aware of how long you can go before an oil change, when you need crucial engine parts inspected, and more. While your internal parts eventually wear, it’s an absolute given that your tires will fail over time. They can’t last forever, after all. There are several common causes of tire damage you should keep in mind and check for. As a general rule, keep your tires inflated properly to avoid uneven wear that could send you roadside if it worsens.

Be Aware When Entering and Exiting Your Car

Another safety tip for women driving solo is to keep your eyes peeled when getting to or leaving your car. If a stranger wants to mess with you, they’re most likely to do so when you’re getting into or out of your car. Be sure to check your backseat before entering—you never know when someone will get the idea to steal something by waiting in the backseat until you get back. Also, choose where you park carefully. Go for open, well-lit areas with other people nearby so even at night you’re safe.

Be Smart About Responding to Strangers

Encounters with strangers are stressful for women driving by themselves. To protect yourself, it’s best to limit contact. Don’t respond to people who ask you to get out or open a door if you can. If you must talk, only open your window a smidge. An inch will do. Sometimes, people’s attempts to get you out of your car can be quite deceptive. Sometimes, a driver will rear-end people to get them out of the car, then steal their vehicle or worse. If you feel a bump and get a bad vibe about the situation, don’t hesitate to call up the local police and get them to accompany you.