Candice Ouellette, May 11, 2021Hooot Safety Tips: Driving Alone
While being in the car may feel safer than walking, the reality is that driving alone (especially for women) comes with its own set of dangers. For most of us, getting from point A to point B in a vehicle is a part of our daily lives. Whether it be driving to and from work or hitting the road for a weekend getaway, it's important to keep your personal safety in mind. That's why we've put together a few ideas to help you feel safer when traveling by car alone!
1. Plan Everything Ahead
You can never be too prepared. We're all guilty of doing it - plugging our destination into our phones and hitting the gas. While GPS has changed the way we travel, often giving us the most efficient routes, they aren't always the safest. Plan your travels ahead, and try to avoid unsafe areas when you can. Making sure you have a full tank and that your car is in tip-top shape before you head out is just as important, too. No one wants to stop or get stuck in an unfamiliar area when the situation could have been avoided in the first place!
2. Keep an Eye on the Rearview
Like having eyes in the back of your head. Why wouldn't you take advantage of that? Checking your rearview mirror often helps ensure that you aren't being followed. If you do think you're being followed, do not stop the car under any circumstances. Make sure you do not lead them to your home/where you are staying, and never try to out-drive them. This can lead to reckless driving or cause a wreck, leaving you extra vulnerable. If you think you are being followed, it is suggested that you pull into the closest police station or heavily populated area like a gas station or shopping center (strength in numbers!) and then call for help.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay alert and keep your eyes and ears open. Never engage with strangers in any situation. Be aware of who is around you when you're getting gas, returning to your car in a parking lot, etc, and be sure to check the back seat when you return, even if you had the doors locked! Avoid distractions, like looking at your phone. Paying more attention to social media rather than your surroundings makes you vulnerable to attackers.
4. Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked
Enjoy the breeze... when you get there. Keeping everything locked and rolled up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe from attackers on the road. When approaching busy intersections or hitting stop-and-go traffic, it's important to make sure that your personal belongings (i.e. your wallet, a laptop, jewelry, etc.) are hidden from plain sight, keeping your doors locked and windows rolled up.
5. Download Hooot
We keep personal safety simple and discreet. Keep Hooot in your pocket to stay connected to your closest circle and quickly access help when you need it. Hooot instantly alerts your emergency contacts that you may be in trouble with a text message and a pin-dropped GPS location. And the best part - it's voice-activated. No phone unlocking or texting necessary.
By Candice Ouellette - 05/11/2021
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