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Personal Safety Tips for New Drivers When Walking To and Getting Into the Car

Updated: Feb 7

At DTMK Driving School we want every new driver to feel confident from the moment they step outside to the moment they finish their journey.  Many people travel alone at different times of day.  A few simple habits can help those moments feel calmer and more controlled.  These ideas are not about creating fear.  They are about awareness and steady decision making.




Before You Walk To Your Car


Take a short pause before stepping outside.  Look around, take in the space and notice anything that stands out.  This brief moment helps you feel grounded and aware.


If you are leaving work, college or an evening activity, try to leave with others.  Walk with colleagues or friends and make sure everyone reaches their cars, lifts or rides home.  A quick message in the group chat once you are all home gives reassurance without any fuss.  You can also let someone you trust know when you are leaving so they have a sense of when you should be home.  Some people use a location sharing app that they switch on only when needed so a trusted person can follow their general route.


Walk with purpose and keep your phone away unless you genuinely need it.  You stay more aware of your surroundings when your hands are free and your attention is not divided.




Choosing a Sensible Parking Spot When You First Arrive


Personal safety begins when you park earlier in the day, not only when you return later.  A car park that feels friendly and busy at lunchtime can feel very different late at night.  A leisure centre multi storey, for example, can seem completely normal during the day.  If you return at eleven at night as the only car on the fifth floor the atmosphere can feel very different.  Try to choose well lit areas near entrances, lifts or places that stay busier for longer.  Think about what the area will look and feel like when you come back.


If anything feels off when you arrive or when you return, trust your instincts and take a moment to decide what feels safest.




Using Your Car Lighting to Your Advantage


Many modern cars have welcome home lighting features.  These allow you to switch on the headlights with the remote so the area around your car lights up before you reach it.  Some cars also leave the lights on for a short time after you lock the doors so that you can walk away in a well lit space.  It is worth checking your car manual to see whether your car has these features and how to switch them on.  They can make a noticeable difference when walking to and from your car in the dark.




Walking Towards Your Car With Confidence


Have your keys ready before you reach the car.  This avoids stopping to search through a bag and helps you move with confidence.


As you approach the car, look through the windows.  Check the passenger seat, the rear seats and the general interior.  This quick glance soon becomes a natural habit.


Many cars have central locking settings that control how the doors unlock.  Some cars unlock every door with one press of the remote.  Others can be set so that the first press unlocks only the driver door.  This can be helpful when you are approaching alone.  Read your car manual so you know exactly what your car does and how to adjust the settings.  Understanding your own car gives you more control and helps avoid surprises.


If anything looks unusual or you do not feel comfortable, walk away and reset.  Call someone if that helps you feel steady before returning.




Keeping Valuables Out of Sight


Before leaving your car earlier in the day, hide any valuables.  Bags, laptops, shopping and headphones are better placed in the boot or tucked under a seat.  A clear interior removes any temptation for someone to approach the vehicle.


When returning later, get in the car first and lock the doors before organising your belongings.  It keeps you focused and reduces the amount of time you spend standing outside.




Getting Into the Car Safely


If your car allows this feature, unlock only the driver door.  Get in straight away, close the door and lock it.  This simple habit prevents anyone from opening the door when you are stopped in traffic or waiting at lights.  These moments are when attempted bag snatches sometimes occur, so a locked door makes a real difference.


Settle your seat, mirrors and controls before you move away.  A calm start helps you stay centred.




Personal Safety When Driving Alone at Different Times of Day


Have a broad idea of your route before setting off. It prevents you from stopping in quiet places to check directions.


Try to refuel during the day whenever possible.  Milton Keynes has many twenty four hour petrol stations, but most drivers feel more comfortable filling up earlier.


Keep your car maintained.  Tyres, lights and washer fluid all help prevent unnecessary stops and keep the car reliable.


If another vehicle makes you uneasy or you think someone may be following you, stay calm and head towards a busy and well lit location such as a supermarket, petrol station or drive through.  If you feel unsafe at any point, call 999 / 112 and explain what is happening.




If Your Car Breaks Down


If the car still has movement, guide it to a safe place.  Switch on your hazard lights.  Stay inside with the doors locked if this feels safer.  Call your breakdown provider (tell them you are alone - this usually gets a faster response) and let someone you trust know where you are.


If a stranger approaches and offers help, open the window only slightly and explain that assistance is already arranged.


Close up of a car battery under the bonnet, with jump leads attached to the terminals ready for jump starting.

Building Safe Habits That Stay With You


These habits are simple yet powerful.  Once they become part of your routine, you will feel more settled when walking to the car, getting in and driving away.  Many of our learners in Milton Keynes tell us that these steps make a real difference when travelling alone.


At DTMK Driving School we teach clear and practical driving skills and we also support the wider confidence that helps you manage real life situations.  Feeling safe from beginning to end is an important part of becoming an independent driver.


 
 
 

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