The number of accidents caused by female drivers is significantly lower than that of male drivers. However, women drivers deal with more dangers and risks on the road. Not only need to worry about car trouble and traffic accidents, but also the possibility of being followed or attacked when they are alone. If you’re a woman who often drives alone, it’s vital that you keep these safety tips in mind.
Vehicle maintenance
Yes, your vehicle’s condition should be your top priority when you are a woman driver concerned about her safety. Although roadside breakdowns may seem like a thing of the past, they still occur on a regular basis and can usually be avoided through routine maintenance. The best way to stay safe on the road is to prevent this emergency.
“It’s especially important that female drivers are proactive about basic car maintenance to avoid experiencing car issues at night. You should get safety checks done before any long trips when you know you’ll be driving at night. Make sure you get regular check-ups on your engine, tires, oil, coolant, and transmission fluid.”, says Kristen Bolig, a security expert and founder of SecurityNerd.
Tips on vehicle maintenance
- Take your car out once a week for at least an hour-long drive to keep it in peak condition and avoid unnecessary wear. Aim for at least 50 miles of running. For a given amount of time spent traveling at a constant cruising speed, your battery’s capacity will increase.
- To avoid flat tires and blowouts, it’s best to check your tire’s tread frequently and have a new set installed as soon as the old ones wear out. Consider waiting a while if there are no cracks in the sidewalls if that seems like a financial burden.
- Garage visits are a great opportunity for you to get an expert’s opinion on your car’s systems. Have a reputable mechanic inspect your vehicle at every oil change.
On-road safety for women drivers
Utilize GPS technology in your favor
Getting lost on unfamiliar roads was still a common occurrence a few decades ago. But these days, there’s simply no justification for not doing so. Smartphones come pre-installed with excellent mapping software that will help you find your way back home.
If you’re concerned about your safety while driving at night, you can even install a tracking app that will allow your friends and family to see where you are at all times.
Be quick to take action when in need of roadside assistance
Stay alert at all times so you can avoid an accident before it happens. But if it did happen, act accordingly and seek out help.
If you get into a car crash, pull over to the roadside and call traffic enforcement for assistance. Until the police arrive, you are expected to take care of the situation on your own. Prevent further accidents by putting up flares. Turn on your flashing lights if you don’t have flares. Having a flashlight on hand is also a good idea when the weather is bad.
If your car breaks down, you will be in need of roadside assistance. Before calling for help, find a safe place to pull over and make a note of where you are. Always be aware of your surroundings and notify someone of your location. Look around to see if there are any businesses in the area. Seek out a prominent landmark that you can point out to the person you’re calling for assistance. Consider getting professional assistance from a roadside assistance provider like Way+ which covers up the entire roadside assistance.
Read: What is roadside assistance and do you really need it?
Be prepared for a self-defense situation
If you do end up stranded, your car’s door locks may be your best line of defense. Except if you absolutely need to get out of your car.
Keep in mind that your smartphone can be a valuable resource if you know how to use it properly. Ask for clear vehicle and driver identification, for example, when you’re told a tow truck has been dispatched so you can verify for yourself. When the truck arrives, stay in your car and call the dispatcher back if something doesn’t add up.
Keep a can of Mace or an equivalent pepper spray in your car just in case. It may seem superfluous, but you’ll be glad you did. Having pepper spray on hand is a great way to level the playing field against a more intimidating opponent should the worst happen. Cat ear keychain, taser device, tactical pen, personal safety alarm are the other available defensive tools.
Parking safety for women drivers
Female drivers face particular dangers in parking lots and garages. In the event that you’re left to park your car on your own, it’s important to follow these parking safety tips.
- Assess your surroundings. Be aware of your surroundings at all times as you exit your vehicle. This will allow you to foresee problems before they become one.
- Make sure you park in a place that is well lit. Parking in a well-lit area eliminates some of the threats posed by criminals and thieves, who often hide in the dark.
- Keep your car as close to your final destination as possible. While it may take a little longer to find the right parking spot, parking near the entrance ensures that more people are available to assist if necessary.
- To get to your car, walk with a friend. If you’re on your own at night, you’re more likely to be targeted by criminals. For your own safety, instead of walking to your car on your own, ask a coworker or a store employee to assist you.
It’s better to use services like Way+ when you are in need of the safest and affordable parking lots near your destination. This will cross one big concern off your list.
Rideshare safety for women drivers
These are some safety tips to keep in mind if you’re a female rideshare driver:
- Inspect the passenger. Drivers, like passengers, are able to see a preview of their passengers’ information. This includes not only a driver’s license photo but also other drivers’ feedback.
- If you’re not comfortable taking a ride, decline it. You can see ratings and other information from a customer’s ride history when you look at their profile. You have the option to forego the ride if you see anything alarming.
- Share your whereabouts with your family. If you drive for Uber or Lyft, you have the option of sharing your location with a spouse or parent. Despite the fact that you may not always have time to check-in when you’re busy with rides, sharing your location ensures that someone knows exactly where you are at all times.
How to get safe roadside assistance if you are a woman driver
Signing up for roadside assistance service is one way to ensure women drivers’ safety. A reliable car service platform that provides all of these services in one convenient package is also a good idea, in addition to adding RSA to your regular insurance policy. For example, you can save up to $1000 annually on roadside assistance and other services by subscribing to the Way+ service via the Way Super Auto App! Roadside assistance services are available in a few button taps with three curated monthly plans.
Some of the benefits of a Way+ subscription for roadside assistance include:
- Request for assistance through the mobile app
- Request for assistance through call
- Up to 100 miles of free tow
- Complimentary ride-hailing with tow (Reimbursable benefit)
- Jumpstart
- Flat tire (Tire change)
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
- Winch service
- Roadside reimbursement
- Rental vehicle roadside reimbursement
- Key replacement
- Trip interruption
You can also access other automobile services like:
- 2-3 hours free parking (depending on the plan chosen)
- 1-2 free car washes every 3 months (depending on the plan chosen)
- Roadside assistance membership
- Free personalized concierge service
- Membership free entitlements*
- Traffic court defense
- Auto theft reward ($1000)
- Service vehicle tracking
- Discounted rates for roadside assistance services after free benefits are exhausted
All you have to do is download the Way mobile app (available on iOS and Android), select the Way+ subscription, and let all your safety concerns wither away!
Check out our blogs for info on finding top-rated airport parking, the best parking spots in your city, and affordable car washes near you.
