One of the most unsettling feelings is the sneaking suspicion that someone may be following you. If you’re driving and think someone is following you, here are some tips to help you stay safe and deal with the situation.
Here’s how to tell if someone is following you
If you suspect someone is tailing you in a car, you can confirm it by doing the following:
- If you’re in town, make 4 right turns. If the car is still behind you after the fourth turn, they’re probably following you. Most people don’t travel in circles around city blocks.
- If you’re on the highway, get off and then immediately get back on. If you can still see the car in your review mirror, you’re probably being followed.
You can also get over to the right lane of the highway, and slow down to 15 mph under the speed limit; however, do not slam on your brakes. The cars behind you should go around you. If the suspicious car stays behind you, you’re likely being followed.
The 5 critical steps to take if you are being followed
If you suspect you are being followed, here are the 5 critical steps law enforcement recommend taking to get away safely:
- Remain calm and keep driving. Do not panic and stay focused on the road ahead. If you panic, you may cause an accident.
- Do not let them know you know. Do not stare at your rearview or side mirror. And do not do anything suggestive to signal that you are aware of their presence. This could escalate the situation.
- Absolutely, do not drive home. The worst thing you can do is lead your stalker to your home. Do not drive to your house. In most cases, the stalker is trying to find out where you live to come back at a later time.
- Call 911 or drive to the nearest police station. If you feel like you are in danger, call 911 or drive to the nearest police station. Your stalker could be intending to harm you immediately—not later. You can judge your level of danger by how determined the person is to keep you in sight.
- Drive to a public place. If you cannot call the police (perhaps you don’t have service or your cellphone battery is dead), you should drive to a crowded place. Do not play a cat-and-mouse game with the following car for long because it is likely to become a distraction.
#1 tip to prevent someone from following you
The #1 tip law enforcement gives for preventing someone from following you is to never share your whereabouts on social media. You may unintentionally reveal your exact location to stalkers planning to harm you. Disable your location services in your social media apps, and if you want to post your location, wait to do so after you have left.
Do your part, #HTLLTellAFriend
Help keep your friends and family safe by sharing these safety tips. As part of our new #HTLLTellAFriend safety campaign, Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd will be sharing quick tips to educate people on everyday dangers and lesser-known safety tips.
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