Keeping safe while driving at night
Posted by Spartan 24 Hour Security on Thursday, November 16, 2017 Under: Personal Security
There are things you should always do to keep safe on the road, but there are additional measures you should take to stay safe at night. They are particularly important at this time of year when it gets darker earlier. After all, you don’t have to finish work particularly late to find yourself driving home in darkness.
Here are some ways you can make sure you are as safe as possible when driving alone at night.
Bring someone with you, particularly if it is a long drive. This isn’t always possible, but it is worth trying.
If you can’t bring anyone with you, make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you expect to arrive.
Try to avoid areas you don’t know so you don’t get lost.
Don’t drive when you are tired.
Where possible, make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave.
Following on from the last point, get a car charger to keep your phone charged while on the move.
Keep your car in good condition by getting it serviced regularly and getting any problems fixed quickly. This will prevent breakdowns.
Make sure you have enough petrol or diesel for the journey.
If your doors don’t auto-lock when driving, do it manually as soon as you get in the car.
Keep valuables out of sight. This includes handbags and mobile phones.
Don’t use cruise control. The extra effort of controlling your speed manually will help keep you alert.
Stay off your phone. This is obvious when it comes to holding the phone to your ear or checking messages – they are both illegal and highly dangerous. Don’t even use your phone hands-free, however. Instead, keep your full attention on the road and driving.
If a car flashes its lights at you, don’t stop. If the car continues to follow you drive to a place that is well-lit and has other people, such as an open petrol station.
You have to stop for the Police. If you see police lights or hear a siren you will have to pull over. You don’t have to switch off your engine, unlock your doors, or open your windows, until you see ID and are happy the person is actually a Police Officer.
If possible, only park in places that are busy and well lit.
When returning to your parked car when it’s dark, don’t use your phone and have your keys in your hand, i.e. don’t wait until you get to the car to start looking for your keys. Don’t unlock the car, however, until you are at the door and ready to get in.
If your car breaks down, call someone for help. Where possible, always stay in the car with the doors locked. Remember this won’t be possible if your car is in a dangerous position on the road, such as the hard shoulder of a motorway.
Following on from the last point, if you have broken down and someone approaches your car, stay inside with the doors locked. Open the window only slightly to speak to them.
Don’t accept a lift from someone you don’t know.
Most is common sense and thinking about what you are doing.
In : Personal Security
Tags: driving at night safety tips