P-L-A-N Your Personal Safety On The Road

If you are concerned about your personal safety while out and about on the roads here is a simple 4-point guide from GEM Motoring Assist, the leading UK driver based road safety association. The guide offers practical advice for any driver, whether they have just passed their test or have years of driving experience.

P - Prepare yourself

- assess your risks. We can all take responsibility for our own personal safety, taking steps to
modify or change our behaviour according to the risks

- try to be relaxed. You can exacerbate a difficult situation if you are rushed, stressed, or afraid

- avoid confrontation. Do not meet aggression with aggression. Talk your way out of problems: stay calm, speak gently, slowly and clearly. Breathe out slowly to help you relax

- respect other people’s space. Each of us has our personal buffer zone which we are quick to
defend

- avoid an aggressive stance: crossed arms, hands on hips, a wagging finger or raised arm
will challenge and confront. Avoid looking down on anyone or touching someone unnecessarily

L - Look confident

- a confident person is much less likely to be attacked
- be alert when out and about
- keep fit. Good posture, stamina, strength and tension control can all aid personal safety
- hold your head up, be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards
- know where you are going and how to get there

A - Avoid putting yourself at risk

- your aim is to remain safe!

- thinking things through and planning for the unexpected helps you to feel confident and
react well in emergencies

- read this page often. ‘If this were to happen - then what would I do?’ Take a few moments to consider what you would do if a problem should occur

- let someone know, with at least a note to say where you are going and when you will be back. Tell them if your plans change

N - Never assume

… it won’t happen to me. Nobody is invincible. Even though the chances are slight, don’t bury your head in the sand

… your fears are unfounded. Do not ignore your instincts or the ‘funny feeling’. ACT straight away

… a ‘good samaritan’ is what, or who they appear to be

… that your mobile phone will work