Driving alone in safety
In the course of carrying out duties on behalf of Six Town Housing many staff will make journeys driving alone. This guidance note is intended to give some practical advice on how to minimise the potential risks that may occur.
Driving alone
a)Always keep windows closed when practicable and doors locked.
b)In the event of a breakdown do not accept a lift from a stranger, ask them to get helpforyou.
c)Do not give lifts to strangers e.g. a person who has broken down and requests a lift.
d)If you see an incident or someone tries to flag you down, think first. Is it genuine? How can you best help? It might be safer and also more helpful and practicable to report the incident, or request help, at the next telephone or garage.
e)Always leave your itinerary and expected schedule with a colleague in accordance with departmental procedures.
f)If you believe you are being followed keep calm and continue driving to a safeplace e.g. garage, police station, public house etc. where help could be available; if necessary draw attention to yourself by sounding your horn.
g)If other drivers or vehicle occupants try to attract attention e.g. by flashing headlights or indicating a fault, avoid eye to eye contact. If they persist follow the guidance in f)above.
h)If a car pulls up in front of you and causes you to stop never turn off the engine. If the driver or passenger approaches, reverse back from the car as far as is safely possible and check that windows and doors are securely closed. If necessary draw attention to yourself by sounding your horn.
Parking safely
a)When parking in daylight always try to imagine what the place would be like at night if you are likely to return in the hours of darkness. If necessary choose a safer place to park.
b) When parking during hours of darkness, park near a street light and as close to the client’s home as possible.
c)Park on the ground floor of multi-storey car parks; if this is not possible park near the stairs or lift, away from pillars and alcoves.
d)In an open car park, park as near to the pedestrian exit as possible, well away from shrubs and bushes.
e)Reverse into car park spaces as it is easier to ‘get away’ without having to manoeuvre. It also allows you to drive forwards if one of the doors is open.
Returning to your car
a)At night, get someone you know to walk with you if your car is in a quiet place (you can then give him or a her a lift back).
b) Have the door key, and if it is different, the ignition key ready. Avoid standing by the car searching for the car keys.
c)Look through the windows to check behind the seats before getting into the car.
d)If you have an unwelcome approach, lock the doors, start the engine and sound the horn.
Security
a)Always lock valuablesout of sight in the boot. In estate cars or hatchbacks make sure the luggage space cover is in place.
b) Never leave the car unlocked or the key in the ignition when it is unattended e.g. at a petrol station or a short visit to a shop.
c)Female drivers should not leave spare shoes, handbags or clothing visible, which might indicate the drivers gender.
d) Personnel belongings i.e. briefcases, handbags should not be left on the passenger seat when driving, tuck away under the seat out of site or put in the boot.
e)Do not leave mobile telephones in view when driving.
Avoid breaking down
Minimise the risk of a breakdown, or a fault developing when driving, by
a)Having the car serviced on a regular basis.
b)Not letting small defects develop into major faults.
c)Regularly checking (e.g. weekly) the lights, indicators (including hazard warning lights), oil, water, windscreen wash bottle levels and tyre pressures (including spare tyre).
d)Regularly cleaning all lights and windows including the inside of the windscreen particularly in winter.
e)Checking anti-freeze levels and making sure they are correct, before the cold winter weather starts.
f)Ensure you have enough petrol/diesel in the fuel tank for the journey.
g) In case of a breakdown it is advisable to carry a torch, warning triangle, loose change and a phone card (if a mobile phone is not available).
h)When help arrives check the credentials of the helper. Although most rescue services have uniforms and clearly marked vehicles, still ask to see ID badges.
Motorway Driving
The following is particularly applicable to lone females and motorway breakdowns:
a) If in trouble, pull over to the hard shoulder and park as far to the nearside as possible.
b)If the vehicle is still running, try to drive slowly to the nearest emergency telephone – they are only one mile apart.
c)If you are unable to stop near a telephone, arrows on the white posts (positioned every 100 metres) indicate the direction of the nearest telephone, which is linked directly to the police control room and coded so that the exact location is known.
d)When making a call, a woman should state if she is alone, the request will be given priority.
e) If, during the process of making a call, a vehicle stops near you, tell the operator and if possible give the registration number. Should the driver approach, inform them you have passed their details to the police.
f)Whenever you stop on the hard shoulder, always switch on the hazard warning lights and sit outside the car high on the verge.
g)When leaving the vehicle always use the door nearest the verge away from the traffic.
h)While out of the vehicle, lock all doors except the front passenger door. This will give you the opportunity to get back into the car if you are suspicious of anyone who stops.
i)If you remain in the vehicle, lock all doors and sit in the front passenger seat to create the impression that you are not alone.
j)If approached do not get out of the vehicle or unlock any doors. Only open the window wide enough to talk to the other person. If you have reason to be suspicious state that the police have been contacted and are on their way.
k)When the police or breakdown assistance arrives – remember check their ID.
If you are stopped
In the unlikely event that you are forced to stop your vehicle against your will:
a)Do not try to run away.
b)Stay in the car, it is safer than anywhere else.
c)Lock the car.
d)If thereare passing drivers draw attention to yourself with headlights and horn.
e)Keep the engine running.
f)Allow the other driver to get out of their vehicle and then drive or reverse slowly for thirty or forty metres and stop.
g)As the other person draws near repeat the exercise to lure them away from their own vehicle. This will create a chance to ‘escape’ and buy time.
h)Draw the other person as far away as you can from the security of his or her vehicle.
i)Finally, drive away quickly, but in a controlled manner.
Circumstances will dictate an individual’s actions when driving and it may not be possible or practical to follow all the suggested points on every occasion.
Be aware – be safe!