ALT-1 How Women should Prepare for Road Emergencies
Women drivers can be especially vulnerable if they have an emergency situation whilst driving. The particular worry is breaking down in an isolated area or having a flat in the dark, thus becoming a target for passing criminal types or axe murderers looking to rob, rape or yield a large axe.
An accident or breakdown can just as easily happen during daylight when the imagination doesn’t get quite so carried away. It pays for women to always be prepared for road emergencies and be equipped to handle them.
It is vital to carry a well charged cell phone as a means of communicating that help is needed in case dark descends. Have a few handy numbers of people you can rely on to come and collect you, change your tires, fix your car or tow you away. It helps if you know the numbers of the emergency services too so you can call for help or a bit of moral support.
You should also know if your credit card issuer provides emergency road side assistance, or sign up as a member of the AA, RAC or other emergency services. You’ll kick yourself later if you phone an expensive garage in an emergency, only to find that your AMEX card would have sent someone along for free.
If it is daylight and you know the area you may be comfortable accepting assistance from a passing motorist who comes to your rescue. If someone approaches who gives you the shivers then stay in your car with the doors locked and indicate help is on its way by waving your cell phone around.
If on the other hand local assistance comes in the form of a trustworthy type you feel comfortable in flagging down, be sure you have a comb and fresh lipstick to hand as you are more likely to receive help if you look your best.
You can never predict how long you may be stuck with your broken down vehicle before help arrives so keep an emergency stock of essentials in the car with you. A warm jacket, gloves, scarf and hat can prevent you from freezing on cold winter days. Keep a good choice of music in the car to use as an exercise aid if you need to jump up and down to warm up.
A supply of fresh bottled water will prevent you dehydrating in summer. You probably won’t actually starve to death before help arrives but you may pass the time more comfortably if there is a handy supply of chocolates in the glove box. In case of a long delay carry a good book and look upon it as a prime chance to catch up on your reading.
Don’t forget to always carry a flashlight so you don’t run down the battery by reading by the emergency light. A flashlight may have other uses too in an emergency situation. It can dazzle a potential attacker or serve as a handy weapon of self defence, so make sure you carry a heavy one.
It always pays to be prepared for road emergencies as you can never predict just when the unexpected will happen and put a damper on your plans. As long as you have the vitals on hand you are sure to be rescued soon.
