What To Do If You’re Followed By A Car While Driving

No matter how safe Australia is, crime can and does still occur many times a day. That’s why knowing what to do if you’re followed by a car while driving is valuable knowledge to have. Especially if you travel on your own.

If you’re being followed, having your wits about you is easier to achieve with some forethought. It gives you the upper hand over the creep (whether male or female) who’s following you, and also on your nerves.

The last thing you want to do is panic and speed off in your car only to cause a collision. Keep calm and manage it well by reading this first.

5 defensive steps to take if followed by a car while driving

Becoming confident in knowing what to do if you’re followed by a car while driving starts with these five simple steps:

1. Keep calm (use your brain and not your accelerator)
2. Confirm you’re being followed
3. Contact help
4. Use a location app when you drive
5. Get to a busy public space (ideally a local police station)

1. If you’re being followed, follow your instincts

You might think we peeps are so urbanised we have very little instinct left to follow, but that simply isn’t true. And in a pickle, relying on your gut can save you. But it’s important to do this calmly and without panic so your thinking remains clear.

If you’re followed by a car while driving your stomach will probably lurch the moment it occurs to you. Let it lurch – it’s your body telling you something important. Just keep calm behind the wheel and don’t let your car lurch.

Even if you’re dealing with someone else’s road rage, be the bigger person and always continue driving in a safe and controlled manner. Not only is brain over brawn perfectly hip, it’s also safe.

Also never let the pursuer overtake you as this could be a moment for them to try to cut you off. Read more safety tips for solo female travellers here.

2. Are you being followed?

In an age where ‘being followed‘ has become synonymous with having a new Facebook friend, let’s avoid confusion and get back to basics.

If you’re on the road and notice you’re being tailed, take defensive action. Try confirming if you are indeed being followed. It’s always a possibility the other car just happens to be on the same route.

Drive in a block – go right, right, and right again. It’s an unlikely route because it takes you back to where you started. Is the driver of the other car also doing this? If so, that’s pretty odd making it likely you’re being followed by the other car.

3. If you’re being followed, phone help

Always make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving home, work etc. Further cover your bases by having your loved ones as well as the closest law enforcement on speed dial. Also have your phone connected to your car stereo system so it’s hands-free.

You’re not being paranoid by taking these defensive measures. In fact, not only are you not being paranoid, you’re also being well-organised.

If you think someone is tailing you, let law enforcement and your loved ones know it’s happening (call via your car’s Bluetooth – don’t stop driving!) and tell them where you are. Also let them know what the number plate of the following car is and where you’re going.

Even better, try this next step. We have a range of simple car technology at our fingertips, so why not use it to our advantage…

4. Always let someone know where you are

When you’re out alone, to feel – and be – safer, consider having the people who love know where you are via an app. If you’re followed by a car while driving, you won’t necessarily have the wherewithal (or time) to call and tell them exact details. This is why using a location app is a great to have.

Location apps help keep track of where your loved ones are at all times.

Some location apps include an SOS button, so your family or friends will already know where you are and you’ll be broadcasting a ‘help me’ message without needing to make a call. Read about seven free location apps to see which one you like the most.

Also consider getting a dash cam for added security. If something happens at the front of your vehicle, like an altercation, the footage could help to resolve any legal disputes.

5. Get to safety

Go directly to the nearest police station (you should have already called them en route) or a busy public space. If you’re followed by a car while driving home change your destination – don’t go home. The follower might want to find out where you live.

Although the police station would be the best option, it may not be the closest, so use your discretion. The alternative is to go somewhere well-populated like a restaurant or a coffee shop. If you see your follower, once there, take their photo and a photo of their car if possible.

Ask security or a shop attendant to keep you company and contact someone you know to meet and accompany you to the police station. Don’t leave alone. If the police can meet you there, even better.

Safeguard your car too

At PD Insurance, putting safeguards in place is our business. Ideally, you’re never followed by a car while driving but if you are we hope these tips help you get to safety.

Another way to find peace of mind while motoring is by having car insurance as a safeguard. Not only does it mean you can drive with fewer worries, but you can park with fewer worries too.

Choose between third party property damage and third party fire and theft or comprehensive car insurance for the widest range of affordable cover. Depending on what you decide on, you can protect your car from Australian storms, fire, hail. Besides the damage these can cause there’s also the daily risk of road accidents and car theft.

Whatever you choose your plan will help you pay the repair and/or replacement costs after claimable events, without bearing the brunt of all the costs yourself. Click below for an obligation free quote today.