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With the arrival of October, the days are getting shorter, and the nights longer – bringing increased safety concerns, particularly for women traveling alone. The transition into autumn and winter means many will find themselves commuting, shopping, or running errands in darkness more frequently. This shift creates conditions that heighten vulnerability, especially for women who may feel exposed when alone in poorly lit areas.
Car Keys Solutions, a leading automotive security provider, is offering practical safety advice to help women stay secure during these darker months. Simple preventive measures can make a significant difference in reducing risks and increasing confidence when on the road during this time of year.
George Stoica, Founder of Car Keys Solutions, shares these essential safety tips for women navigating the roads during autumn and winter:
1. Keep Your Key Fob Within Easy Reach for a Quick Escape:
As temperatures drop, women often need to dig through bags and pockets for their keys with gloves on, which can make them appear distracted and vulnerable. Keep your key fob easily accessible, preferably in a pocket, before you leave a building or approach your car. This will allow you to get into your car quickly, avoiding fumbling at your car door while exposed to potential threats. Modern key fobs can also be programmed to unlock only the driver’s door first, which is an important safety measure when parked in darker, less populated areas. (For different vehicle brands, this feature can typically be enabled or customised through the car’s settings menu or by consulting the owner’s manual. In some cases, this may also need to be configured at the dealership.)
2. Use the Panic Button as a Safety Alert:
Not all drivers realise that the “panic” button on their key fob can serve as an emergency alert system. This button, often marked in red or with an icon of a car and sound waves, is designed to activate your vehicle’s alarm. If you feel threatened while approaching your car, pressing and holding the panic button will make the car’s horn blare and lights flash, drawing attention to your situation and deterring potential criminals. This feature is particularly valuable in quieter towns and residential areas during the colder months, where there are fewer people around, and visibility is lower. Knowing how to use this feature can provide an extra layer of security when you need it most.
3. Use a Signal Blocking Pouch to Prevent Relay Theft:
As keyless entry systems have become more popular in the UK, so too have relay thefts. Thieves use signal amplifiers to intercept the key fob’s communication with your car, enabling them to steal the vehicle without needing physical access to the key. This type of crime becomes particularly common during the darker months, as thieves take advantage of early nightfall. Keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch (or Faraday pouch) is a simple and effective measure to protect against this kind of theft, especially when parking overnight or in poorly lit areas.
4. Park Strategically in Well-Lit Areas:
For women, ensuring safety starts with choosing the right parking spot, particularly during the autumn and winter months when darkness sets in early, making it crucial to find safe parking areas. Always prioritise parking in locations that are well-lit and have consistent visibility, such as spots near building entrances, under bright overhead lights, or close to CCTV cameras that can provide an extra level of security. It is also best to avoid isolated or secluded areas, and instead park in places where there is likely to be regular foot traffic, such as near shop entrances or busy pathways. Additionally, reversing into your parking space can be a simple but effective way to ensure a swift and safe exit, which can be crucial if you find yourself feeling uneasy or need to leave the area in a hurry.
5. Use Your Mobile Phone as a Personal Safety Tool:
Your mobile phone can be an invaluable safety tool, particularly during the darker winter months when visibility is limited, and travelling alone can feel more daunting. Before heading to your car, consider using a live location-sharing feature through apps like WhatsApp or Find My Friends, which allows you to share your real-time location with a trusted friend or family member until you reach your destination safely. This feature is particularly helpful when walking to your car through a large car park or along quiet streets, as it ensures that someone is aware of your journey and can react quickly if anything seems amiss. Additionally, setting up voice-activated emergency commands on your phone, such as “Hey Siri, call emergency contact,” can be a simple yet effective way to call for assistance without having to fumble for your device in a moment of stress. Using these features can make a big difference in feeling more secure, knowing that help is only a touch or a voice command away.
6. Check the Back Seat Before Getting In:
Before entering your car, particularly in dark or isolated areas, it is important to take a moment to check the back seat for any unexpected presence. Criminals may use poorly lit environments or quiet car parks to hide in the back seat, waiting for an opportunity to strike once you’re inside the vehicle. During the colder months, when heavy coats, scarves, and reduced visibility can lead to distractions, it’s easy to overlook this simple precaution. However, taking a few seconds to ensure your car is empty before getting in can make a significant difference in preventing an ambush or an unexpected threat.
“The colder, darker months bring unique safety challenges, especially for women driving alone in the evenings,” says George Stoica, Founder of Car Keys Solutions. “By being proactive and using the tools and knowledge available, women can significantly reduce their vulnerability and stay safer on the roads. These tips are designed to empower and protect.”
