by Helena Whyte

Created on: December 13, 2009

Whether you are a woman driving alone or you are with an elderly or child passenger, there are precautions you can take to ensure your personal safety. Always carry a cell phone with you. The cell phone should be fully charged or you should keep a cell phone charger in your car. Your cell phone charge may be less than optimal after you traverse through several cell phone zones while driving. Pre-program emergency numbers into the cell phone. Always carry an extra set of car keys in case you lock your keys in the car. Never leave a spare set of keys in the glove compartment; they will only help thieves to steel your car. Keep an emergency kit in the car. The emergency kit should include a set of battery cables, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, replacement flashlight batteries, and flare. Know where the jack is and how to change a flat tire.

Maintain a least half a tank of gas in the vehicle to avoid having to fill up in an undesirable neighborhood. Keep a quart of oil, a gallon of water, and a can of tire fixer in the car for quick repairs. Keep maps in the car in case you are not familiar with the area. Print out driving directions before leaving on a long trip. Check and re-check your directions each time you set out. Have your passenger serve as a look out and navigator following the directions. You do not want to leave your car to ask for driving directions.

If you car breaks down, do not leave your car and only roll your window down a little bit to communicate with the police or a good Samaritan. Ask anyone who offers to help to call a tow truck. Do not get out of your car; do not accept a ride with a stranger. Do not hitch hike. Never leave a child alone in the car while you go for help. Ask to see the ID of the law enforcement officer and ask for a business card. Imposters have raped women stranded on the highway.

Do not stop to pick up a hitch hiker. Do not pull over no matter how desperately someone is signalling to you. If someone is following you, drive to the nearest police station or to a well lit convenience store or shopping mall.

If you are carjacked, get out of the car and get away.

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