DRIVE SAFE

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Here are a few tips on keeping yourself safe if you are driving alone. Thanks to Sarah Miller from The Trust for compiling the first list.

The Lucie Blackman Trust is also grateful to Lucy and friends from the Isle of Wight for their support. The girls from have compiled their own list of some safe driving hints and tips.

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Lucie Blackman Trust Safer Driving Tips:

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If you know you will be driving home at night, try and think ahead. If possible, park your car as close to where you need to be as possible and in a well lit car park. Also, if you can park it close to other cars and where there are lots of people this will help too.

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When approaching your car, have your car keys in your hand so that you can get into your car quickly.

Don't put your handbag or valuables on your passenger seat at any time of day. If you leave your doors unlocked or a window open, it is very easy for a would-be thief to open the door or put a hand through the window when you are stopped at traffic lights.

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When driving alone at night LOCK YOUR DOORS. It is an open invitation to an attacker who can get in on the passenger side or open the driver's side to pull you out remarkably quickly when stopped at traffic lights etc.

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Have your mobile phone somewhere within easy reach in case of an accident or other emergency.

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Let someone know when you are beginning your journey and what time you expect to be home. You can then let them know when you have arrived safely. If you don't, they'll know to raise the alarm.

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If you break down:

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• Stay in your car and lock your doors - especially at night. Don't get out to see what the problem is...your breakdown company will figure this out for you when they get there! Even if it is just a flat tyre and you know how to change it. Better that a mechanic do it for you than put yourself at risk!

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• Always have emergency numbers such as breakdown assistance etc close at hand.

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• Call someone at home or a friend to let them know where you are and who your breakdown company is.

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• If you are worried or are approached by someone who concerns you flash your hazard lights, beep your horn and make as much of a scene as possible. Drawing attention to yourself in this way is likely to deter any would be attacker who wants to keep his identity a secret!
  

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  Tips From Lucy and Friends:

  
  If you are ever thrown into the boot of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm through the hole and start waving. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
  
  Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their cheque book, or making a list). DON'T DO THIS! Someone could be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, and attack you. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
  
  A few notes about getting into your car in a car park:
  
  Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger
  side floor, and check the back seat.
  
  If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most attackers surprise their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
  
  Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the shop, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)
  
  ALWAYS take the lift instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot.
  
  If the attacker has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! They will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it
  most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!
  
  As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
  
  

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These tips were submitted by Lucy and friends from the Isle of Wight. Their group has an active interest in road safety, and The Trust is grateful for their help. If you have any hints you would like to submit, please email.