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 approachesyou 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 apublic telephone
  
  
• Have breakdown cover with a reputable company (e.g. the AA). CoverGirl Car Insurance Services policy holders can buy AA breakdown cover with their policy from as little as £42 per year.

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.