A Highway Code

For

Vulnerable Motorists

Eamonn Larkin

Crime Reduction Officer

Sheffield Central District

The fear of crime in today’s society can lead us to change and adapt our lifestyle in many ways. It can restrict our working and social life to such a degree, which may; if not checked becomes quite threatening.

Being involved in an incident or some form of attack whilst driving may influence some people into not using their vehicles as often as they may wish. However, if sensible and simple precautions are taken before and during any car journey, the risk of being involved in some form of threatening incident can be drastically reduced.

Newspaper and television reports can often increase the fear of violence by the reporting of any incident or attack involving motorists. This is not a criticism of the media, but it should show that because such incidents merit the attention of the press, the incident itself is newsworthy and not simply an everyday occurrence. If such incidents went unreported it would at least indicate that they were ‘commonplace’ and subsequently not worth reporting. The rarity of any event is often in relation to the amount of publicity given. In future, if you hear of any such incident, which may occur, don’t automatically assume that it is happening everywhere and that it will happen to you. Learn from the incident in order to ensure that you won’t become a victim of a similar incident. The time to be concerned is when such happenings are not reported as widely. This would usually indicate that they are ‘commonplace’ and an everyday occurrence. Then we should all be concerned.

If we look at the number of miles driven by motorists on all the various types of roads in this country and then compare this with the number of incidents other than road traffic accidents, which occur involving people driving alone. It shows that the chance of being involved in such an incident is very low indeed. This fact should go some way in reducing the fear of becoming a victim of this type of incident. Remember, not only females are vulnerable to intimidation, male drivers are also victims of incidents on the road.

1

PREPARATION AND PLANNING

The surest way to avoid being involved in any form of incident whilst driving alone is to ensure that both you and your vehicle are fully prepared for the journey. That is to say that the vehicle is properly serviced and all fluid levels and tyre pressures are correct and that all ancillary equipment such as lights, horn and windscreen wipers etc, are in working order.

Plan the route of your journey, if necessary using a road atlas and street maps. Use local knowledge by contacting someone at your destination and asking his or her advice on the safest and easiest route to travel. If you feel that the situation warrants you may consider contacting the Police service in that area and asking their advice. They will be able to inform you of any trouble spots such as road works or diversions that you may encounter on your journey.

The intention of good planning is to ensure that you are certain of the route and are aware of any potential problems on that route. It means that you should not be put in the position of having to stop in an area in which you are unfamiliar and have to ask for directions from a stranger; and that your vehicle will actually take you to your destination. If you do for some reason have to ask for directions always try to use a petrol station or similar place to stop where you would feel safe.

When setting off on your journey, telephone someone at your destination. Inform them of your route, giving details of road numbers etc. Also tell them of your estimated time of arrival (taking into account any comfort stops) and the make, model colour and registration number of your car. The reasons behind this will become clear later.

INcidents and attacks caN be prevented,

prevent anything happening to you.

2

THE CONTENTS OF YOUR CAR

There are certain items that should always be carried in your car, these include a first aid kit, a petrol can, a torch, ‘phone card or change for a phone, blanket and a pen or pencil and some paper. These can be used to record any details you may need to recall later. It is also a good idea to carry a can of ‘Tyre Weld’. This is a can of expanding foam, which can be used to repair small punctures and re-inflate the flat tyre. Simply screwing the can’s nozzle onto the tyre valve and pressing the button on the can operates it. As the can only seals small punctures, you may feel that it only has a limited use. However it is ideal to use in an emergency, in order to allow you to continue your journey on to somewhere safer where a full wheel change can take place. It must be noted that once the spray has been used on a tyre; you can drive for a distance of up to 40 miles, but at a speed not exceeding 45mph, and afterwards the punctured tyre must be replaced.

Ensure your mobile ‘phone is fully charged. Most people own or carry a phone these days and it could be argued that it could be safely said to be a near essential item and not simply a luxury. The cost of mobile phones now, ensures that one bought and kept solely for use in an emergency is not unacceptable. If used in an incident when you are threatened or intimidated by another driver, it can make that other person think that you are in contact with the police. Any potential attacker will not wait around if they believe that there is a chance if them being caught by the Police.

Purchase a personal attack alarm and keep it with you when out and about.

When parked do not leave items on view such as bags, driving shoes, umbrellas etc, that indicate that the car is being driven by a woman (if that is the case). Bear in mind too that with the increase in vehicle security to prevent the theft of motor vehicles. More cars are attacked for property that has been left on display. Do not leave valuable items in your car that can be seen by a thief. A large number of credit cards that are used in crime have been stolen from unattended vehicles.

3

DRIVING

When driving lock all your doors including the driver’s door

In some parts of the country thieves are targeting motorists and stealing their property, mainly handbags and briefcases from the front passenger seats of cars. These incidents usually occur when the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings etc. A common thread in most of these thefts is that no damage is caused to the car. The thief simply opens an unlocked door while the car is stopped and steals whatever property is on the front or in some cases, rear seat. The thief tends to look for vehicles with central locking doors, or as it could be named “central unlocking”

When entering your car after it has been parked, you should always walk round and examine the car. Make sure that there has been nothing placed under the tyres to cause a puncture when you drive off or that there is nothing such as a piece of paper or ‘post-it note’ attached to the rear windscreen. Such items may cause the driver to stop and get out of the car to examine the note, giving a thief the opportunity to jump into the car and drive off with it or to steal property from the car.

The argument against locking yourself in your car is that of being trapped in the car following an accident. It is extremely rare for a person to be trapped in a car simply because the door is jammed. More often if someone is trapped it is usually because damage to the vehicle is so severe that it requires the expertise and skill of the Emergency services to cut that person out of the vehicle.

If you personally feel worried about this. Consider buying yourself a device called a “Lifehammer.” This is a tool that is designed to be carried in your vehicle. If there is an emergency, it is used to cut through either a seat belt or a child’s safety harness and also to smash the side window of your car to allow you to climb out if necessary.

There are no fixed rules about what you must do in any given situation. You are the person there at the time. Only you know how you will react in any given situation. Always do what makes you feel confident and safe. As long as you are aware of the advice offered in this leaflet, you will be able to react according to how you feel in that situation.

However as mentioned earlier: -

Good preparation and planning can prevent incidents

4

Driving can be very enjoyable; it can also be very annoying, if whilst out and about on the road, you meet up with one of the minority of motorists who think they are the best at everything they do, especially driving. These sorts of people are best avoided, but while you’re driving along, minding your own business; along they come.

Do not try to ‘Police’ the roads and attempt to keep these people to the speed limit by slowing down and making it difficult for them to overtake. This can only lead to frustration and accidents. Similarly if someone pulls alongside and tries to attract your attention, ignore them. Slow down if necessary but don’t stop, the other driver will soon get bored and drive on.

If this does not work, drive to somewhere that is busy. The best place to head for is the local Police Station. If for whatever reason that is not possible, drive onto the forecourt of a petrol station, get as close as you can to the cashier’s desk and sound your horn and flash your lights. By doing this you are attracting attention to yourself and this is not what the other driver wants. The chances are that they may be identified and to prevent this, will drive off in the other direction. If you are concerned about this, report the matter to the Police.

If possible write down the details of this vehicle and a description of the driver and pass these details on to the Police. It is only by being made aware of such incidents that the Police can respond to them and if someone is causing problems for lone motorists, your information will help in them being stopped. In cases where this has happened, publicity surrounding the prosecution of this type of offender will go a long way to prevent a recurrence.

If you incur the anger of another motorist who decides that it is necessary to sound his horn at you over something they believe you have done wrong, DO NOT retaliate by making an obscene gesture or sounding your horn back at them. If you are in the wrong acknowledge your mistake with a wave of the hand or mouth the word ‘sorry’ at them. This will cut down on the need for them to get even with you. This in turn can help to reduce ‘road rage’.

5

WHILST DRIVING DO NOT:-

Give lifts to Hitchhikers.

Stop at the scene of a road accident or if someone is trying to flag you down. Drive on to the next ‘phone box and report the accident or type of incident to the Emergency Services

Deviate from your route if you feel intimidated or suspicious about a closely following vehicle, and you want to check whether it is in fact following you. As you approach a traffic island, signal your intention to turn right, but actually continue driving all the way round and take your normal exit. If the other driver follows, take the action as previously mentioned.

Do not deliberately ram or run into any vehicle, which may pull in front to try and stop you. This may cause more damage to your vehicle and prevent you from getting out of the situation. Stay calm and lock all doors (if not already locked). Reverse away from the other car. If this isn’t possible sound your horn and flash your lights to attract the attention of other drivers. Never lead anyone who you believe is following you, to your home or workplace.

DO:- Take out membership of one of the Recovery services

Drive with confidence; consider taking a course of advanced driving lessons. The confident motorist is less likely to become a victim of unwarranted attention or be involved in any threatening incident. Good training will help you in this way as well as helping to reduce your chances of being involved in a road traffic accident.

6

IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE WHILST DRIVING

It is important to remember that only uniformed Police officers have the power in law to stop the driver of a motor vehicle on a road. It is an offence to fail to stop when directed to do so. If an officer in plain clothes wishes to stop a vehicle he will have to call on a uniformed officer to assist him and actually stop the vehicle. Only stop your car if directed to do so by an officer in full police uniform

If you are stopped and are still suspicious, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and the windows shut. Ask to see the officer’s warrant card. It will be produced on request. An officer would be aware of your concerns if you were alone and being stopped late at night. You would only be stopped in a dark and lonely location if the officer wished to speak to you about a fairly serious incident such as a motoring offence you may have just committed.

In most Police areas, unmarked video cars are regularly used. These have no police markings but are fitted with a siren and blue flashing ‘strobe’ lights behind the radiator grille. They also carry a ‘pop-up’ Police Stop sign, usually affixed to the rear parcel shelf. Traffic officers drive these vehicles in full uniform. You may be required to stop by these officers, if so, they will identify themselves prior to stopping you. If you are still uneasy, stop at a location where you would feel safe.

If after taking care you are still unsure of the situation, tell the officer that you will follow them to the nearest Police station where the matter can be sorted out. This would usually be in order, unless the officer believed that you had been drinking and were unfit to drive, or that you had committed a serious traffic offence. You would not be allowed to drive any further and the officer would not allow you to do so. The attendance of another officer would be requested and this would usually be a supervisory officer. The arrival of this person should at least indicate that both officers are genuine.