Driving alone can be a worry for many people, especially at night. Below are some tips and advice to help you stay safe on the road and relax while you drive, including details of Direct Line’s fast response Breakdown Cover and Car Insurance…

The biggest fear when driving alone is breaking down and being stranded in an isolated or unfamiliar place. According to a Direct Line study conducted by MORI, women drivers feel the most ill at ease: more than a quarter are afraid of being carjacked (a growing crime where the assailant purposely targets vulnerable drivers, usually with the aim to steal the vehicle or its contents), and over half admit to locking the doors for added security when driving through town. This figure rises to 64% when driving at night.

Of course, one way to dispel the fears that can accompany driving alone, is to get someone to drive with you. Not only can this feel safer, sharing a journey can also be a more economical and environmental solution, too. But if circumstances mean you have no option but to go solo, make sure you travel with care.

Before you set off

Running regular checks on your car is important at all times, but especially so if you think you may be heading out alone. Ensure all components are working smoothly and are in a good state of repair, including lights and spare wheel. Before you leave, make sure you have enough fuel for the planned journey and check the car’s water levels.

Drivers are also advised to prepare for potential breakdown by carrying blankets, food and water, warm clothing, a torch, emergency contact details and a mobile phone at all times. In case an accident should happen, it’s wise to carry a notebook, pen and camera with which to take details down.

You can also take advantage of Direct Line’s online route planner to help eliminate unnecessary stops for directions or wrong turns. If you can, advise someone of where you will be going and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.

On the road

As carjacking is on the increase, it’s wise to drive with your doors locked when in town or built up areas, especially at traffic lights when someone could easily jump in. Ensure your stopping distances allow for you to pull away safely if need be.

Some carjackers have even taken to bumping cars in order to get their victims to stop. In this case, you should practise extra caution: if the driver looks suspicious, talk to them through the window with the doors still locked and call for emergency aid from within the vehicle. Single drivers should also beware of falling prey to false breakdowns – in many cases, it is actually more helpful to call emergency services than to actually stop and get out. It may sound mean, but for your own safety it is inadvisable to pick up hitchhikers no matter how friendly they look.

When parking, you should aim to find a public, well-lit space with the driver’s door positioned nearest to the pavement. Before you get back into the car, get keys out before you approach the door. There’s nothing more enticing to a thief than someone fumbling through their bag in the dark.

In an emergency

Of course, breakdowns do happen so make sure you are prepared for an emergency. Direct Line has a range of UK Breakdown Cover types, with an average response time of around 40 minutes. If your Direct Line Breakdown cover is Rescue or, Recovery – assistance is guaranteed as long as you are more than 1/4 mile from your home and in the UK. If your car cannot be fixed at the roadside, Direct Line will arrange to take you and your car to a suitable garage. If your car has Rescue Plus or Recovery Plus, you are also covered from your home.

The more comprehensive your Breakdown Cover, the more benefits you get, including assistance back to your home or to your destination if your car can’t be fixed on the spot. We can even cover for the cost of alternative transport, accommodation overnight or provide a hire car for 24 hours. Whatever happens, we’ll make sure you don’t get stranded alone – you can call our emergency hotline on 0800 590 590, 24 hours a day. We even offer assistance when driving in Europe with European Breakdown Cover.

While you’re waiting for roadside assistance, you should follow the correct breakdown protocol. For example, statistics show you have more chance of being hit by passing traffic if you remain in a car on the hard shoulder, then by being attacked while standing outside of it alone.  For more information, read our press release on breaking down on the motorway.

If you have an accident or are the victim of theft, making a claim through Direct Line Car Insurance is also quick and easy with 95% of claims agreed over the phone.

You can find out more about how Direct Line Breakdown and Car Insurance can benefit you by getting a quote today.