by Leann Zotis

Created on: December 17, 2009   Last Updated: January 20, 2010

Driving has provided a level of freedom in society never before experienced.  Men and women are taking their place in the world and spending a great deal of that time behind the wheel of a car.  Safety concerns exist for everyone, of course, but women, in certain conditions, may feel slightly more vulnerable than men.  Activities such as working, shopping and going about the day to day activities of life consume their days.  In order to maintain a certain level of safety while driving, there are some basic safety tips to insure every woman of an added measure of safety.

* Don’t drive alone at night in unfamiliar areas.  Unfortunately, a woman alone who appears to be lost can appear more vulnerable to a predator.  If you do find yourself lost after dark, don’t stop your car to ask directions from strangers on the street.  Find the nearest police station or open store to seek help.

* Keep your doors locked while driving.  A car stopped at a traffic light can look like an open invitation to an unsavory character on the street.  If the car doors are locked, you have time to pull away quickly if someone makes an uncomfortable approach to your vehicle.

* Carry a cell phone.  Have preset numbers for the local police, family members and the local auto club so you can dial them quickly in case of emergency.  Don't use the cell phone for random conversations while driving.  In addition to being unsafe, it can also distract you from what is going on in your surroundings.

*  A GPS is a great tool to have to help you find your way.  This will eliminate the need to ask directions from strangers and also keep you from getting lost in the first place.

* Keep your purse and other valuables on the floor or in the trunk, out of sight.  A visible purse can make an easy target for someone who thinks they can smash your car window, steal your purse and run before you even know what happened.

* When parking your car, especially at night, park in a well lighted area.  Avoid parking next to vans or other large vehicles that can block your view of strangers who may be lurking.  When you return to your car, carefully check out the area as you approach your car.  If you’re parked in a parking lot or garage, ask if an attendant can accompany you to your car if you feel at all uneasy.

* Keep your car serviced and in good repair.  Avoid unnecessarily risking an empty gas tank, a flat tire or other mechanical breakdown.  If any of these events do take place, be sure to have an up to date auto club membership and use it to secure assistance as quickly as possible.

Safe driving tips apply to everyone, man or woman.  The modern convenience of the automobile has given us all the mobility we need to travel further and more often than ever before.  We just need to take care to protect ourselves in the process.

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