Driving Alone? Follow These Safety Tips

Posted on August 23, 2012 by admin

Driving alone in budget car rentals Milwaukee is sometimes unavoidable. While a trip alone can be relaxing, or a nice break from the day-to-day bustle of life, it also carries with it certain dangers that don’t occur when traveling in groups. This is particularly true if you are a female driver, unfortunately, as the risks of carjacking, assault, robbery, and other violent crimes are increased. All solo drivers of budget car rentals Milwaukee should follow simple steps to avoid mishap.

Don’t react to road rage

Road rage can get violent. If you are alone, facing a very angry driver, things can get messy quickly. In this instance, you don’t have witnesses within your vehicle to defend your case to the police if they become involved. Ignore aggressive honks, don’t look at the angry driver, and continue driving safely.

Distractions are dangerous

Put away the cell phone, and turn down the music. Know directions in advance, or get a GPS that dictates the route as you drive. While you may use these things to keep you entertained while you travel in budget car rentals Milwaukee alone, they will increase your risk of collision. Remember, also, that carjackers and robbers are more likely to attack solo drivers. Be aware of people watching your car when stopped, and keep your attention alert.

Be well rested

When driving alone, there’s no one there to keep you awake when you’re tired. Stop, with car locked in a public parking lot, to take a twenty-minute rest if you need to. Take breaks to stretch your leg, get food, and keep energized.

Take precautions in parking lots

Be aware of your surroundings. If you see a large van next to your vehicle that may not have been there before, use caution. If you feel uncomfortable, ask a nearby couple or security guard to walk you to your car. Have your keys ready and your bags prepared so you can get into the car, close the door, and drive away as quickly as possible. Parking lots are the most common areas for theft and assaults. If a stranger asks to help you, don’t accept it and keep walking toward your budget car rentals Milwaukee.

If you can, park in lots that are well lit and guarded. Park as close to the building as possible.

Lock your doors

This is especially true of night-time driving. Keep your doors locked as you drive, and your windows up. If someone stops you for any reason, make sure the windows aren’t open fully when speaking to them.

Be aware of fake unmarked police cars

If you see an unmarked car with flashing lights trying to pull you over, don’t automatically assume it’s a police car. If it doesn’t look like police, then it very well may not be. Only pull over in a highly populated area that is well lit. Make sure you keep your car running, and don’t trap yourself in in case you need to pull away. Keep the doors locked, and the windows mostly closed. Get the ID of the officer or license plate number of the vehicle and call 911 to ask if the vehicle is a registered police vehicle.

In a break down, stay inside

If your budget car rentals Milwaukee breaks down, stay in the car until help arrives. Put your four-ways on and call a mechanic. Sometimes the seemingly good Samaritan trying to help you is the one who will be the most harm.

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