The CoverGirl Car Insurance Services Guide to:

Being safe when driving alone

Female drivers are much more vulnerable to attack than men, and you should always be alert to potential dangers when driving alone. Here are some precautions you can take to ensure your safety when driving alone.

Female drivers – saftey when driving alone

Always lock the doors and keep the windows closed
Keep your handbag and any valuables out of sight – these can be stolen
from cars stopped in traffic
Leave the back seat empty, carry all luggage/shopping in the boot
Use your horn if you feel endangered at any time. If someone approaches
you or a car tries to make you stop, use your horn. Loud noise is a proven
deterrent to attackers
Avoid driving through unfamiliar areas without planning your route in advance.
If you become lost – avoid asking someone on the street for directions.
Drive to a petrol station or shop
If you’re travelling on a long journey tell someone your route and when you
expect to arrive
If you think you are being followed drive to the nearest busy public place,
e.g. a petrol station, supermarket and ask for help
When stationary in traffic, leave enough space between you and the car in
front. This will enable you to pull out from behind the car in front, should
you need to
Never give lifts to strangers

Female drivers - saftey when parking

Park in a well-lit spot, preferably with lots of people around
Reverse into the parking space. This will enable you to drive straight out
When returning to your car, have your keys in your hand so you don’t have to
search through your handbag or coat

Female drivers - saftey at petrol stations

Each year thousands of people are victims of crime at petrol stations. Here are a few simple steps to keep you safe:

Do not leave doors unlocked while paying for fuel
Keep your handbag and any valuables out of sight
Take the same precautions against personal attack as you would parking
anywhere else

Female drivers - preventing a breakdown

Keep your car in good working order. Check the oil, battery and the tyre
pressures regularly. Don't let your fuel tank run close to empty - keep it well
topped up. Make sure your spare wheel is in good condition
Carry a set of jump leads, some basic tools and a torch
If you do not have a mobile phone, carry a phone card and change for a
public telephone
Have breakdown cover with a reputable company (e.g. the AA). CoverGirl Car Insurance Services policyholders can buy AA breakdown cover with their policy from as
little as £42 per year. See breakdown cover for more information…

Female drivers - what to do if your car breaks down

If you have breakdown cover with the AA, they are available 24 hours a day and
will assist you wherever you are. Tell them you are a woman on your own, as
this will give you immediate priority. The nearest rescue patrol will if necessary
be diverted from another job to get to you
Stop the car in a well-lit spot as close to a public phone as is practical. Keep
going until you can stop in the best place. Your safety is more important than
your car
If you have a mobile phone – carry it at all times and make sure that the battery
is charged
If you have to stop on the motorway hard shoulder we recommend that you leave
the car. The AA's experience shows that a very high proportion of motorway
accidents involve vehicles parked on the hard shoulder; this is a much more
serious risk to you than a potential attack
If you are on a secondary or minor road remain in the car with all the doors locked.
Be very careful accepting help from a garage who has not been sent by the AA and
always check their identification thoroughly
If stranded, never accept a lift with a stranger

Female drivers – if you’re involved in an accident

If you see an incident or an accident, or if someone tries to flag you down – always
be very cautious. It is often safer to report what you have seen to the police by phone
than stop and potentially put yourself in danger

CoverGirl Car Insurance Services provide cheap car insurance for female drivers.

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