There are several ways to defend your home, like setting up an alarm system or learning how to use a weapon. But how can you protect yourself if you believe you're being tailed by another car on the road? (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com)
If you're driving to work and you think another driver is tailing you, check if they're following you by trying the following:
When you're driving on city streets, make four right turns. If you can still see the car behind you after the fourth turn, it's possible that they're tailing you. It's unusual to travel in circles around city blocks.
If you're on the freeway, get off then get back on. If the other vehicle is still visible in your review mirror, they could be following your car. Most drivers won't waste time and gas getting off and then returning on a freeway.
Another option is to head to the right lane of the highway then drive about 15 miles below the speed limit. Once you slow down, the other vehicles behind you should pass by. If the car you're observing doesn’t drive past you, it's possible that they're tailing you.
Doing all of this won't seem like a waste of time, especially if it helps prevent a dangerous scenario like a carjacking or something worse. Once you've confirmed that someone is following your car, here are some precautions you can take to ensure your safety on and off the road.
- Choose well-traveled roads whenever you're driving. Those with ill intent often target victims who seem vulnerable and frequent mostly deserted roads.
- Stay calm to prevent an accident. Get your bearings and think of a safe place that you can drive to. (Related: Prepping 101: What is situational awareness and why is it crucial for your personal safety?)
- Don't stop driving to exit your vehicle after you confirm that you're being tailed.
- Resist the temptation to drive home. Don't risk leading a stranger with possible ill intent to your property and loved ones.
- Roll up all your windows.
- Lock all your doors. If you're stuck at a red light or stop sign, someone quick on their feet can easily open your doors and hurt you within seconds.
- Don't stop driving to let another vehicle that's tailing you pass by. Head to another lane instead.
- If a suspicious vehicle keeps following you, call 911 so they can direct you to the nearest police station.
- Head to a police station. The person following you won't risk stopping in an area full of law enforcement officers. However, if the other driver stops, don’t exit your vehicle until you see officers who can escort you to safety.
- Alternatively, you can drive to a fire station or a hospital.
- You can also keep driving until you reach a brightly lit public area. Don't exit your car if you're alone in an area that's unfamiliar to you.
It's not silly to worry about your safety if you believe you're being tailed, especially after you confirm your suspicions.
The worst thing you can do is assume that everything's fine because you're surrounded by "normal-looking" people. Lawbreakers will do their best to look "normal" until they gain your trust and steal your belongings or your vehicle. Criminals may even work with younger adults or women to get you to let your guard down.
How to stay safe on the road
Follow the tips above to protect yourself from potential attackers. You can also sign up for a defensive driving course to ensure that you know what to do if the situation escalates.
Read up on carjackings and take precautions to prevent them, such as learning a martial art or carrying self-defense weapons. Drive safely, be observant, and be wary of suspicious drivers.
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