Many women are nervous about driving alone. Some of the most commonfears women share are carjacking, driving through town, driving at night andbreaking down - particularly in an isolated or unfamiliar place. The risk ofattack is very real for women drivers and many lock their car doors whiledriving.

Even when faced with the risks, women still need to use theircars to get around. So how can you ensure your safety on the road? You couldget a friend, colleague or family member to travel with you but this may notalways be possible. Here are some more practical precautions you can take.

Minimise the risk ofbreakdown

Avoid them if you can. You can do this by making sure youmaintain your car on a regular basis.

?        Checkyour lights, tyres, brakes, and all fluid levels including battery, oil, fueland water.

?        Inthe winter months, make sure your car is protected against cold, wet and icyconditions.

?        Alwayscarry a roadworthy spare tyre and light bulbs.

?        Packa ?survival? kit in your boot. Include warm clothes, blankets, a torch, foodand water, emergency contact numbers and a mobile phone to call for help.

?        Ifyou are involved in an accident, a notebook and disposable camera (if you don?thave a camera on your mobile phone) will come in handy to document it.

Motorway breakdown code

All drivers, not just women, should know what to do when theybreakdown. The Motorway breakdown code offers useful information on what to doand what not to do in the event of a breakdown.

?        Getout of your car and wait on the side of the road if it is safe to do so.

?        Tryto stop near an emergency phone. This will help emergency services find youquickly.

?        Donot stop to offer unsolicited advice. A women stranded on the side of the roadmay feel threatened if approached by a stranger and get back into her car.  And if you look at the first point above, thesafest place to wait is outside the car.

Tell someone where youare going

Before you set off on your journey, tell a friend, familymember or colleague exactly where you are going, what route you are taking, andhow long it should take. If you are delayed en route, stop off and let yourcontact know. Make sure you stop at a safe parking spot or service station. Youcould use a hands-free mobile kit but it may distract you while driving andcould cause an accident.

Be aware of yoursurroundings

Carjackers target cars waiting at traffic lights. As aprecaution, lock all your car doors when driving in town. Some carjackers willbump your car in an attempt to get you to stop and get out of your car. If thishappens, keep your doors locked and don't get out of your car. Call emergencyservices and talk to the other driver through your car window until helparrives.

Stranger danger

?        Don?tpick up hitchhikers, it's just not safe.

?        Ifyou have broken down, don't interact with strangers. Rather wait for emergencyservices to arrive and don't get back in your car. It is dangerousto wait in a stationary vehicle on the motorway.

?        Parkin a safe place. Choose a parking spot that is well lit and has CCTV cameras ifyou can. Park with the driver's door closest to the pavement so you can get inand out easily.

?        Whenyou come back to your car, have your keys in your hand ready to unlock yourdoor. You are more of a target for thieves if you stand beside your carscratching around in your handbag searching for your car keys.

Taking care of yourself on the road is important and so istaking care of your car. If you're involved in an accident, the right carinsurance will help your get your car back on the road as fast as possible. Fora car insurance quote and more information about the types of car insuranceavailable from Direct Line, visit .