Driving

Travelling in your car can often provide you with a sense of security due to the protection offered by the vehicle itself. The greatest risk to personal safety comes when you are either getting in or out of your car.

Please remember the following advice :

• When approaching your car, make sure you have the car keys in your hand. This saves you having to search through pockets and bags which can distract your attention.

• When travelling alone in your car, keep the doors locked at all times as property within your car may become vulnerable when you stop at traffic lights or in heavy traffic.

• Always park in well-lit and well used areas and consider looking for car parks displaying the police approved 'Park Mark' signs.

• Remove the portable sat nav system if you have one and don’t forget to wipe the sucker marks off the windscreen.

• Do not give lifts to or accept lifts from people you do not know.

• Have your car regularly serviced and make regular checks of the tyres, oil and water.

• Join a national breakdown organisation and always carry your membership card.

• Plan your route using main roads as far as possible and avoid the need to stop and ask directions.

• Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey (consider carrying spare fuel in an approved container).

• Carry some change, a phone card or a mobile phone.

• Keep your doors locked when travelling and when stopping for fuel.

• Keep items such as coats, bags, laptops, mobile phones and other valuables out of view.

• If you think you are being followed, keep driving until you reach a busy public place.

• If you are forced to stop or followed home, keep the engine running. If you are approached turn on your hazard lights and sound your horn.

• If you are unfortunate enough to break down and are waiting for rescue, sit in the front passenger seat. On a motorway it is safer to sit away from your car, on the embankment, leaving the passenger door open.