10 Essential Safety Tips for Women Driving Cross-Country Alone
Traveling solo can be an exhilarating and empowering experience, especially when you’re driving across the country. However, it also comes with unique challenges and considerations—especially for women. Safety, convenience, and preparedness should be at the forefront of your journey. Here’s a guide on how to drive across the country safely as a woman alone.
1. Plan Your Route in Advance
Planning your route ahead of time is crucial for staying safe on the road. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to identify well-traveled highways and main roads rather than remote areas. Share your route with a trusted friend or family member before you leave and give them updates on your location during your trip.
Why It Matters
Mapping out your journey in advance helps you avoid potentially dangerous areas, minimizes the risk of getting lost, and ensures you have a good idea of where gas stations, hotels, and rest stops are located.
Useful Link: Travel Safety Tips from the American Automobile Association (AAA)
2. Choose the Right Time to Drive
Opt to drive during daylight hours whenever possible. While driving at night may mean fewer cars on the road, it also means increased risk due to reduced visibility and fewer people around to help in case of an emergency.
Why It Matters
Sticking to daylight hours decreases the chances of encountering unsavory situations and allows for more visibility if you need to pull over.
Useful Link: Daytime Driving Safety Tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
3. Select Safe Hotels and Accommodations
Choose hotels in well-lit, populated areas. Avoid hotels on the outskirts of town or motels with parking lot doors directly accessible from the street. Use reputable booking sites like Booking.com or Airbnb, and look for places with strong safety features like surveillance cameras and secure entrances.
Why It Matters
Choosing a safe place to stay can make a significant difference in your overall safety and comfort during the trip.
Useful Link: Hotel Safety Guide by the U.S. Department of State
4. Use Apps to Find Safe Rest Stops
Use apps like iExit or Roadtrippers to identify safe rest stops. Look for rest areas that are well-lit, have security cameras, and are situated in busy areas. Avoid pulling over in secluded locations or on the side of the road unless it’s an emergency.
Why It Matters
Rest stops can be potential risk points, especially if they are isolated or poorly maintained. Ensuring that your stops are in safe locations can help prevent unwanted incidents.
Useful Link: Roadtrippers Travel Guide
5. Keep Emergency Supplies and Tools Handy
Always have an emergency kit in your car, including items like a first-aid kit, flashlight, bottled water, and basic tools. A portable car battery charger and a tire repair kit can also be lifesavers in case of car trouble.
Why It Matters
Having these supplies on hand means you’re prepared for common roadside emergencies without needing to rely on help from strangers.
Useful Link: Essential Roadside Emergency Kit Items by the Red Cross
6. Use GPS Tracking Apps for Safety
Apps like Life360 allow you to share your location in real-time with trusted contacts. This feature can help someone know where you are at all times and send help if something goes wrong.
Why It Matters
Real-time location sharing ensures that loved ones can keep tabs on you, which is particularly useful if your phone dies or if you lose contact temporarily.
Useful Link: Life360 App Features and Benefits
7. Fuel Up Often—Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Top off your tank regularly, especially when you have half a tank or less. This strategy minimizes the chances of running out of fuel in an unfamiliar or isolated area. Use apps like GasBuddy to find nearby gas stations.
Why It Matters
Running low on fuel in a remote area can put you in a vulnerable position. Keeping your tank filled provides peace of mind and allows you to drive farther in case of emergencies.
Useful Link: GasBuddy: Find Cheap Gas and Gas Stations
8. Avoid Sharing Your Location Publicly
While it’s good to keep family and friends informed, avoid sharing your real-time location or detailed travel plans on social media. This precaution helps prevent people you don’t know from tracking your movements.
Why It Matters
Over-sharing your location can make you a target for unwanted attention or even theft. It’s best to stay discreet about your whereabouts.
Useful Link: Social Media Safety Tips from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
9. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Avoid leaving purses, laptops, or other valuables in plain view in your car. Place these items in the trunk or under seats to reduce the temptation for thieves.
Why It Matters
Visible valuables can make your car a target for break-ins, which is especially risky if you’re far from home or don’t know the area well.
Useful Link: Tips to Prevent Car Break-Ins by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
10. Trust Your Instincts and Be Ready to Act
If a situation or location feels unsafe, leave immediately. Your instincts are your best guide. Being prepared to change plans on the fly can make all the difference.
Why It Matters
Listening to your gut and erring on the side of caution will help keep you out of potentially dangerous situations.
Useful Link: Personal Safety Strategies by the National Center for Victims of Crime
7 Reasons to Take a Solo Trip as a Woman (And Where to Go)
Imagine navigating an airport without being slowed down by your dawdling friend. Imagine choosing the restaurant for dinner every. single. night. Or heading to bed early on vacation without anyone trying to guilt you into going out. This could all be yours if you plan a solo trip.
Traveling solo as a woman can be both empowering and enriching. If you need a reason to embark on a solo journey, we have a few for you, along with recommended destinations for solo female travelers and tips for staying safe.
READ: 7 Reasons to Take a Solo Trip as a Woman (And Where to Go)
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