There are a few things you can do to feel safer when out driving by yourself.

Minimise risk

• Make sure your vehicle is running well and is properly maintained.
• Regularly check your oil, water and fuel levels.
• Think about joining a breakdown organisation and remember to keep these details in your vehicle.

Driving alone

• If you feel scared travelling alone, you should take a mobile phone with you. Make sure it's fully charged before heading off.
• Always let someone know where you're going.
• Plan your route and take a map to avoid asking strangers for directions.
• Take enough money with you for emergency phone calls.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.

Road rage

• Even small things can spark a road rage situation. If someone has a go at you, try and remain calm and don't react angrily or with violent gestures.
• Avoid eye contact with aggressive or suspicious drivers.
• If you're forced to stop, keep your engine running and leave enough room around you to get away.
• If a driver gets out and approaches you and you’re unable to drive off safely, flash your lights and sound your horn. If you have an alarm, set it off.
• Most importantly don't leave your vehicle; keep the doors locked and the windows up.
• Make a note of the registration number, model, colour and shape of the other vehicle. A description of the driver might also prove useful so try and remember what they look like, especially anything distinctive about their appearance.
• Get away from the situation as soon as possible, without speeding or driving recklessly.
• When it's safe, pull over to use your mobile phone or a phone box to report the incident to the police.

Secure parking

• When parking your car, look for a 'Secured Car Park'. These car parks have got a police standard of safety and security.
• If you can't find a secure car park then find somewhere that is quite busy and well lit at night.
• If possible reverse into the parking space so that you can get away quickly in an emergency. If using a multi-storey car park choose a space close to the exit and away from pillars if you can.
• When returning to your vehicle have your keys ready and quickly look at the back seat just to make sure no-one has climbed in.
• Choose a car park that is well supervised with restricted entry and exit points and CCTV cameras.

Motorway breakdown

• view motorway driving section