Foxy Lady
Drivers Club
Top Ten Tips for Women Travelling Alone
We all have to travel alone at some time or another even though we know this can make us vulnerable on occasion. So it’s good to have a Top Ten Tips checklist, supplied by Global Road Safety to remind us about the basics.
1. Look after your car and your car looks after you.
A poorly maintained car can and eventually will let you down. Ensure your car is maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and at the prescribed intervals. Use one of FOXY’s female friendly trustworthy garages to ensure you are treated fairly and with respect.
2. Carry out a regular check of your car to prevent breakdowns in vulnerable places.
A quick POWER check can prevent problems. The acronym stands for…
Petrol – do you have enough for the journey, if not where will you fill up?
Oil – check the engine oil level, if it’s getting low top it up to prevent the engine seizing.
Water – check and top up the coolant and windscreen washer bottle.
Electrics – check all the lights, including the all-important brake lights (you will need to use a friend or a reflective surface such as a shop window or your garage door to help here)
Rubber – check your tyres for wear, bulges, low pressure, cuts and nails; also check your windscreen wipers.
This may sound like a big job but rest assured it can be carried out quickly… but if you are unsure how to carry out any of the checks why not ask your nearest FOXY approved female friendly garage to show you how.
3. Plan your journey.
For long or vulnerable journeys (those where you could be in danger, such as remote locations, unfamiliar places, known hot spots, poor weather conditions) tell someone your route. If another person is aware of your route then they will know where to look for you should the need arise.
4. Keep in touch.
Again for long or vulnerable trips, agree with another person that you will call at certain times and/or points in the journey. If you are running late, let them know and if your contact person is not at your destination let them know once you have arrived. You might want to set up a journey management group so like-minded women can look out for each other. Always keep your mobile phone charged and funded.
5. Drive for safety.
When driving in vulnerable situations such as traffic queues, on the approach to traffic lights and in town, try and keep the vehicle moving so always plan ahead to enable this to happen. Try to plan an escape route, don’t get too close to the vehicle in front and don’t get ‘boxed’ in. If bothered by another driver use your finger to write the cars registration number on the inside of window, breathe on the area later to reveal writing. If you have to speak to a pedestrian only put the window down a couple of inches.
6. If you have a breakdown.
Don’t try and repair the vehicle yourself because this will bring attention to your vulnerability, just call your breakdown service. Do not accept help from a passer-by, most are genuine but it’s safer to wait for the people you called. If not on a motorway, whilst waiting for assistance sit in the passenger seat, this will give the impression you are not alone and the driver not far away. On a motorway you should get out of the vehicle and away from the traffic, you are more likely to be hit by another vehicle than experience a personal attack. Your breakdown service may send a sub-contractor, don’t accept help immediately, first, ask the mechanic to tell you the name they were given and who called them, if they are genuine they will have this information.
7. Consider your parking options.
Before you even set off take a moment to consider where you will park, will you use a multi storey or underground and will it be quiet or busy? If you are using a public car park, how close is it to your destination, is it lit, what is it near? Consider what you have on display, could you be vulnerable because your car has typically female items on show, if these things are in the car then hide them from view.
8. Pick your space.
If you can, find a space near the car park entrance, walkways, ticket machines or a building’s main entrance. Avoid parking near bushes, unlit areas and places with limited activity. Reverse into the parking space as this will give you an easier getaway should the need arise.
9. Be alert.
On returning to your car you are at your most vulnerable. Have your keys ready before you set off for the car. When entering the car park take a good look around, is there anyone around making you feel uneasy, look in the car, does everything look normal? If in any doubt walk away and call for help. If possible return to the car park with a friend and escort each other to your respective cars, driving across the car park if necessary.
10. Finally, don’t panic
Attacks on lone female drivers are rare and we don’t want to make you paranoid. However, being prepared for any situation that may arise will help reduce your vulnerability and keep you safe.
FOXY Lady Drivers Club | 35 Goring Road | Steyning BN44 3GF
Tel: 01903 879988 | Email: info@foxyladydrivers.com
Highly Commended, Brake’s Road Safety in the Community Award, 2009
Winner, Home Business Awards, 2008
Regional Finalist, HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards, 2007
Runner Up, The Daily Telegraph’s Trailblazers’ Business Awards, 2006
Small Business Award Winner, SAGA Magazine, 2005
See above for correspondence address. FOXY Drivers Limited, trading as FOXY Choice and FOXY Lady Drivers Club, is registered in England & Wales No 5071266 and registered for VAT, number 841 3841 35.
