Confidence behind the Wheel: Top safety tips for women drivers

When you're commuting, running errands or heading out at night, it's important to be prepared and stay vigilant. Road safety isn't only about avoiding accidents; it's about knowing how to handle the unexpected.

Top tips for women drivers to stay safe

It can be easy to let down your guard while you're in your car, as your metal bubble can offer a skewed sense of personal safety. The next time you're on the road, keep these tips in mind. They might just save your life. And they aren't only aimed at women - everyone should take these precautions.

Stay alert and avoid distractions

Ideally, keep your phone out of sight and use Bluetooth. Having your phone visible also makes you a target for smash and grabs. Be aware of what's happening around you whether you're stuck in traffic, stopped at a traffic light, driving on the highway or pulling into your driveway. If you're alert, you'll be able to react more quickly.

Keep essentials ready to go

Always carry a charged phone (again, ideally out of sight). If you're going to an unfamiliar area or you're nervous for any reason, share your location with someone you trust through your messaging app. That way, they'll know where you are throughout your journey. Pro tip: memorise your emergency contact's number, sometimes called ICE ('In Case of Emergency'). You can also call the Discovery Insure call centre and ask us to monitor your trip. We have a 24-hour helpline that keeps in regular contact with you throughout your journey.

Also make sure you have a reflective triangle, jack, spanner, pumped spare tyre and jumper cables in your boot, in case you need to change a tyre or jump-start a flat battery. If you need to pull over unexpectedly, make sure you're in a safe place.

Plan your route

This is a big one: don't blindly rely on your maps app. The shortest route isn't necessarily the safest. Always plan your route before you leave. Before clicking 'Start', zoom out on the map screen and see exactly where the app wants to take you.

Install a telematics device

Discovery Insure uses advanced telematics devices like the DQ-Track, comprising the Discovery Insure app and the Vitality Drive Sensor. It's easy to install and offers state-of-the-art safety features such as a vehicle panic button (where you can use your smartphone power button as a panic alert), Impact Alert (that provides emergency assistance when Discovery Insure detects a severe impact on your vehicle), and severe weather warnings by SMS.

Trust your instincts

If something feels off - whether it's a route, a place, or a situation - don't hesitate to change plans or call for help. This is particularly important at night, when it's harder to see and accidents tend to be more severe. That's why Discovery Insure clients can take advantage of discounted take-me-home services with our partners, Uber, Road Trip and Scooter Angels, so they can get to their destination safely.

Smart driving is about more than just getting from A to B. It's important to know how to avoid risky routes, limit distractions, use reputable e-hailing at night or access emergency support. If you can own your journey through awareness and preparation, you can get where you need to go, safely and confidently.

Sources:

https://www.discovery.co.za/corporate/smart-money-what-women-want-from-home-insurance
https://corporate.lightstone.co.za/result/Articles/20001?DateFormat=MMM%20yyyy
https://www.rei.co.za/blog-posts/women-take-the-lead-in-property-ownership-in-sa
https://lightstone.co.za/newsletters/property/august2022/WomenownmorethanhalfofSAhomes