Safety in the car 

See also: Report a bad driver

Driving a motor car provides a feeling of security, and people use this vital means of transport every day without encountering any threats to their personal safety. There are occasions when risks can occur, but these can be kept to a minimum by observing some basic precautions.

This is a series of guidelines prepared by the Police Community Relations Section in consultation with various community groups. While presented with the safety of women in mind, these suggestions can equally apply to any driver.

Preparation is important to reduce the risk of breaking down in an isolated, poorly lit or unsavoury area at night.

• Make certain the car is in good repair and serviced regularly, the fuel gauge is accurate, and that you will not run out of petrol.
• Keep a check on the air pressure of your tyres and the condition of the spare tyre.
• If your car's performance is of concern, don't commence a journey, particularly a long trip, or drive at night.
• Have some change or phonecards available should it become necessary to use a public telephone box.
• Have a map with you, and know your route at night to avoid becoming lost, or having to stop to ask directions.
• Carry a torch in the car and a personal alarm if it makes you feel comfortable.
• Keep a pen and paper in the car. If you have to leave it for any reason, you may wish to leave a message behind.
• If you have a mobile phone, it is an advantage to keep it with you in the car in case of emergency.
• If travelling alone or a non-routine journey, it may be a good idea to tell someone of your plans and expected arrival time.

On the road

Check your doors are locked before driving off, and if you need the windows open for fresh air, only have them open a few centimetres to prevent someone reaching through.

If your car starts to falter, stop in a safe place rather than continuing to your destination, risking a breakdown.

If you see someone with a car apparently broken down, consider whether they need assistance, particularly a woman alone. If the breakdown appears genuine, you could stop within calling range and speak through a partially open window, offering to telephone for assistance.

Do not pick up hitchhikers.

When halting at traffic lights, or intersections where there are not many people or vehicles about, be alert to any person approaching your car. Check the rear view mirror and be prepared to move off quickly if necessary. If someone does manage to jump into your car when it is temporarily halted, you can attract attention by flashing the headlights and using the horn. The objective should be to attract attention and escape from the car as quickly as possible, preferably at a place where there are people around.

Other motorists

If a passing motorist indicates to you to stop, keep driving to a busy area before getting out to check your vehicle.

If you think you are being followed, confirm your suspicions by making turns and staying on busy and brightly lit streets if at night.

If the other car continues to follow you, do not drive home revealing where you live. Drive to a Police station, open service station or similar place where you can call the Police. Try to note what details of the car you can - registration number, colour, make, description of driver and direction the vehicle was last seen travelling in. If you have a mobile phone, call the Police while you are being followed.

If a driver ahead of you deliberately forces you to stop by breaking or blocking the road, do not turn off the engine as you may stall when trying to restart.

If the driver gets out of the car and comes towards you, remain in your car with doors locked and windows shut. Sound your horn and flash your lights.

Look around to see if there is enough space behind to reverse and accelerate away. If there is no room to manoeuvre around the other driver's vehicle you may have to turn around and depart quickly from the rear direction.

If another motorist bumps into your car in a quiet or isolated area, do not get out of your car to check the damage or speak to the other driver. Drive to a place where there are other people before stopping. Note the registration number of the vehicle and report it to the Police if the other driver has not exchanged names and addresses.

If the car breaks down

If you are unfortunate enough to experience a breakdown, you will have to consider your options depending on the location, time of day and how heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic is.

If there are warning signs, you may have enough time to reach a busy public place where you can stop.

If you have a flat tyre, think about driving slowly to a safe place to stop. You may damage the tyre and wheel rim, but this may be more desirable than compromising your own safety.

If it is dark and you breakdown in a very isolated spot, you may have to consider spending the night in your locked car. It is best to plan your travel schedule so you are not driving in remote areas at night time.

Make a judgment depending on time and location whether you consider it safe to leave the car to call for assistance.

If you do not feel it's safe to leave the car and go for assistance, put your hazard lights on and raise the bonnet after checking no-one is about. Wait in your locked car until someone approaches.

Remain in your car if someone offers assistance and speak through a partially opened window. Ask the person to call for help for you.

If no-one stops to offer assistance, you could consider briefly exiting you car, waving down a passing motorist, then returning to your car and locking yourself in.

Do not accept offers of a ride from other motorists.

Even if you do consider it safe to go for assistance, the nearest phone may be too far away and you may have to rely on another motorist making a call for you.

If you decide to leave the car, lock all doors, take your valuables with you and conceal those too bulky to carry.

Once you have called for assistance you may feel safer where you are than walking back to your car. Try to arrange to be uplifted from that location.

The nearest phone from where your car breaks down may be at a house. If you decide to approach a private home, stand back from the door once you have knocked. Ask the occupant to call on your behalf and be wary about being invited inside.

Parking your car

Consider the area you are parking in if not returning to your car until after dark. Does the area have adequate lighting?

Avoid, if possible, parking in quiet or isolated areas.

Avoid parking too close to walls, high fences or vegetation that might provide cover for an attacker.

Be alert when entering car park buildings, basements or other enclosed areas. Try to park near an entrance or exit, ramp or staircase, where there is likely to be a steady stream of activity.

Reverse you car into position so you can drive straight out for a quick exit if necessary.

Before getting out of your car, look around first to check that the vicinity appears safe. If you see any suspicious people loitering nearby, do not get out - drive to a different location.

Always lock your car when parking and remove valuables. Any items left should be placed out of sight.

Do not leave house keys or papers with personal details in the car, and remove the house keys if handing over the car keys to a parking attendant or other person.

When returning to your car, have the keys in your hand for quick access.

Pause a couple of car lengths from your vehicle, look around and behind you. Make sure there are no suspicious persons lurking nearby in a position to confront you as you open the car door.

Before you open you car door, visually conduct a proper check to make sure no-one is hiding inside, particularly behind the front seats.

When putting packages in the boot, stand side on so you can see anyone approaching from behind. Avoid bending over with your head and body inside the lid of your boot.

 

Follow a SENSIBLE CODE - Be safer on THE ROAD

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