Do You Drive Alone Often? Follow These Top 10 Tips for Staying Safe
Are you a single person who lives and travels alone? Are you someone who needs to travel by yourself often for work? Are you worried about your safety while you are out on the road? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it’s understandable that you may be worried about your well-being while you are traveling. Some of the worst accidents — including damage to you and to your car — can happen with solo drivers. That’s because you’re at a higher risk of being targeted or falling victim to your own weaknesses — such as falling asleep while driving. If you want to help ensure that you’ll be okay as you travel solo, read on to learn our top 10 tips for staying safe while you drive.
Tip #1: Watch Your Mirrors
While you’re out on the road — from the time you leave until the time you stop — check your mirrors regularly. Make note of anyone who could potentially be following you, and if you suspect someone is, change directions to test your theory. You don’t want to be the target of a crime by a solo driver.
Tip #2: Check Your Doors
When you stop for a break and go into a store or gas station, make sure you lock your doors upon leaving. When you return, make sure you check them to ensure that your car has not been comprised in any way.
Tip #3: Inspect Your Backseat
Before you open your doors and get inside your car, inspect your back seat to make sure there is no one inside. This is a classic way to commit a crime on someone who has not locked his or her doors upon leaving the car.
Tip #4: Carry a Flashlight
Carry a mini flashlight on your keychain. Before you unlock your car doors, squat about 50 feet from your car and shine the flashlight below the car to make sure there is no one underneath the carriage of your car. This is also a good time to check and make sure your car isn’t leaking any fluids, which may cause you trouble down the road.
Tip #5: Get Your Car Serviced Regularly
Take your car in for regular oil changes and tire rotations. This is low-cost maintenance with big payoff in the end.
Tip #6: Take Detail Shots of Your Car
Know what your car looks like up close. Take detailed photos of your car so you know when it has been tampered with, dinged, scratched, or hit while you are away.
Tip #7: Charge Your Cell Phone
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you begin your trip and don’t forget your car charger. You’ll want to be able to call someone if there is an emergency.
Tip #8: Fill Up Before You Start
Go to the gas station before you get on the road to fill up your gas tank. You don’t want to run out of gas on a lonely stretch of road.
Tip #9: Purchase an Inflatable Doll
If you are especially worried about the appearance of traveling alone, then purchase an inflatable doll for your backseat or passenger side. This is an easy way to create the appearance of company from a distance.
Tip #10: Install a Tracking Device
Install a tracking device in your car so that a loved one can follow you wherever you go.
In conclusion, try not to get too overwhelmed by this list. Consider it your checklist that you can complete over time. Depending on your traveling needs, you may need to prioritize one over the other. The most important thing to consider is to do the things on this list that make you feel most comfortable. Keep an eye out, maintain your car and make good choices about when you travel. Let dependable people know you’re on your way and have a backup plan should things go wrong.