It is not only walking alone, especially in the dark, that women worry about but also when they may be driving alone, where they can face various forms of harassment. These actions range from verbal harassment to physical intimidation and can occur in different environments, on the road, at traffic lights or in car parks.

While most men will never encounter any of these issues during their motoring career, it may be a shock to hear that the vast majority of women will.  If you are a husband, brother or father, it is vital to understand these concerns, and if you should see it happening, then it is your duty to call it out and report it safely.  Below are some of the most common examples of harassment and intimidation that many women face regularly while driving.

On the Road

Tailgating

A driver continually driving at a very close distance behind you, pressuring you to drive faster than you feel comfortable, possibly flashing lights or sounding the horn.

Reckless overtaking or deliberately blocking exits

Women have reported aggressive drivers who have tailgated for a long time and then undertaken or overtaken at junctions to cut them up as an act of intimidation.

Indecent Gestures/exposures

Many women have reported indecent gestures or exposure by drivers while they have been in traffic queues or on various roads, making it very unsettling to the driver.

Following

Often, after a period of any of the above, the aggressive driver will follow the lone female for many miles.

At Traffic Queues or Red Lights

Window Tapping

Window tapping is widespread at traffic lights or busy urban streets when stuck in traffic queues. Sometimes, it can be on the driver’s side by a motorcyclist or cyclist, if on the passenger side, it can be pedestrians, but either way, it can be quite frightening, especially if its dark and you’re alone in the car. In fact, it probably wouldn’t happen if you weren’t alone!  One of the first things a woman will do when starting a car is make sure the doors are locked, which may not be the first thing a man thinks about. Never open your window for a stranger, no matter where you may be.

Verbal Harassment

Verbal harassment will happen anywhere at any time for women, but when they are seen to be getting in or out of a car alone, they are seen to be, for some, as awful as it sounds – ‘fair game’. An excuse to engage in unwanted conversation about the car, belittling the parking, lewd remarks about the woman’s appearance or even if they are ‘looking for business’/.

Attempting entry to the car

On rare occasions, very aggressive individuals have attempted to open car doors and force entry when the car is stopped. These can be opportunistic thieves who are after a handbag or laptop on the passenger seat. Always make sure doors are locked and all windows are shut in traffic queues.

Car Parks and Garages

Car parks can often be very desolate at night, and even ones with CCTV have blind spots that can be abused. High-rise multistorey car parks have dank and dark stairwells that often have to be used as lifts are out of order, where any manner of intimidating occurrences could happen to a lone woman just trying to get back to her car. Always try to park in a well-lit area, with CCTV if possible.

Fake offers of help or needing help

Women have been attacked and murdered by men who have pretended to need help or who offer help if a woman is in need.  Never be tempted to stop and help anyone before you get in your car and lock the door; you can call for help from inside your car safely. Assume everyone is a potential killer, especially in a dark car park when you are alone!

Men in uniforms

It is essential to know that just because an individual wears a uniform does not mean they have automatic rights. Many dangerous and predatory men have been convicted for crimes committed while wearing the uniforms of Emergency Service officers. If a lone policeman has pulled you over, you do not have to get out of the car; you can open the window slightly to converse and ask what the issue is, and you can make sure the engine is switched off and make a call to the local police station to verify the reason why you have been pulled over.  If this is a genuine reason, the officer will give you his badge number and will be happy to comply.

Using Technology to intimidate, stalk or harass

Tracking Devices

The easier tracking devices are to get hold of, the more cases are being seen where, especially in coercive and controlling abuse cases, they are being used to monitor a woman’s movements. It can take months, even years, before all the small coincidences come to light. They seem to always be in the same place as you or tell you you were seen somewhere when you hadn’t seen anyone you knew.

Taking Photos or Videos

Often, predatory individuals will use a mobile phone to capture images of a woman while she is driving or while she is parking. This is a reportable offence, and you should call the police if this happens to you; make sure you stay inside your locked car, call the police, and record the individual who is harassing you as evidence.

Why it happens and what we can do about it

Such incidents of women-only harassment and intimidation often stem from a mix of a perception of women as vulnerable targets and a lack of accountability for individuals who commit the offences. Usually, women don’t report as they feel they will not be taken seriously and it is not worth the bother. If it does get taken seriously, the consequences are so low that it often mocks the process taken to get to the verdict and punishment, which is little more than a slap on the wrist for many. This creates an environment where women feel disproportionately unsafe while driving alone.

Preventive Measures to Help Ourselves

Lock the Doors

Keep car doors locked at all times, especially when driving through unfamiliar or isolated areas.

Plan Your Route

Use a Sat Nav to avoid getting lost or entering unsafe areas, and always let someone know your estimated arrival time.

Stay Aware of Surroundings

Regularly check mirrors, be mindful of those around you at stops, and avoid distractions.

Avoid Stopping in Remote Areas

If you notice an issue with your car if you can, drive to a brightly lit, populated area before stopping, then call for help while inside your locked car.

Vehicle Preparedness

Keep the car in good condition and regularly service it to avoid breakdowns. Ensure tyres are properly inflated and that you have a spare tyre and tools. Always ensure you have more than enough fuel or charge for your journey.

Carry Essentials

A phone charger
A torch, first aid kit, and basic tools
Emergency contact numbers are written down

In Case of Emergencies

Use Roadside Assistance and stay in your vehicle. If you are stranded in an unsafe area, remain inside the locked car while waiting for assistance.

Trust Your Instincts: If someone offers help but seems suspicious, stay inside the car and call for professional assistance instead.

Use Technology for Safety

Use apps to share your real-time location with a trusted friend or family member.
Install a dashcam for evidence in case of accidents or harassment
Use Bluetooth or hands-free devices to stay focused while staying connected

Avoid Risky Situations

Drive during daylight hours and avoid driving alone late at night
Choose well-lit, populated areas to park. Avoid secluded spots in parking lots or garages
Avoid giving rides to strangers, even if they look like they need help

Self-Defense Awareness

Carry pepper spray or a personal safety alarm if legal in your area.
Learn basic self-defence techniques to feel more confident.

Handling Aggressive Drivers

Avoid confrontation; do not engage with aggressive drivers. Focus on staying calm and driving safely. Drive to a safe location; if followed, drive to a police station, fire station, or a populated area rather than heading home.