Anna Maria RichardsMore Americans feel optimistic about travel and are looking forward to traveling sometime this year. About 66% are planning to go on a road trip with a personal car, and most of them are female travelers who want to spend some time with their friends. Going on a road trip across the United States can be an unforgettable experience since it enables you to see breathtaking scenery, taste local food, and visit amazing destinations. However, being on the road can pose a few safety risks, especially for women. If you’re planning to go on a road trip across America, consider these tips to stay safe during your drive.
What to Do if You’re Being Followed
Going on a road trip allows you to forget about your worries and have some quality time with your friends. Unfortunately, some people take this opportunity to stalk female drivers on the road. It can be nerve-wracking if someone is consistently following you, and millions of women in the US have experienced some form of stalking in their lives.
If you suspect that someone’s following you in your car, don’t panic. Try not to let them know that you’re aware that they’re following you. Call the police or drive straight to a police station and alert them of the situation. Do this as soon as you can, since it’s possible to get into a car accident if the person who’s following you is driving erratically. If you do get into a car accident, make sure to get in touch with a car accident attorney to get legal assistance and proper compensation for injuries and damages.
Have a Rest Stop Buddy
For years, there have been reports of people being assaulted at rest stops, and this doesn’t happen exclusively to women. To protect yourself, make sure to have a rest stop buddy if you’ll be using the rest room, buying something to eat, or just stopping to stretch your legs. Those who’ll be staying in the car should have a buddy as well– the idea is that nobody should be left alone while at a rest stop. Plan on going to the bathroom by twos, and be observant of your surroundings. You should also lock your car doors if you need to step out of your car.
Make Sure Your Car is in Good Condition
Before leaving for your road trip, have your car checked to see if everything is in good working order. You don’t want your car to break down in the middle of nowhere, so see to it that the tire pressure is fine, all fluid levels are normal, the car battery works well, and so on. You also need to be vigilant about topping up your fuel so you don’t run out of gas. Plan on fueling up just before your gas reaches the 1/4 tank mark.
Going on a road trip across America can be a wonderful experience. That being said, remember to stay calm, focused, and vigilant to stay safe while on the road, and don’t hesitate to get help if you think you need it.
