Being followed while driving is a frightening and worrisome experience to encounter. If such a situation occurs, it’s critical you know what to do and how to react so that you properly handle the situation and get out of it safely.
Here’s what you need to know:
Remaining Calm is Most Important
As you know, panicking never helps a challenging situation, even though it can be your mind’s natural response to an unexpected situation. It is very important you do your best to remain calm if you suspect you are being followed in your car.
Keep in mind that most of the time, no one is following you. Chances are, the person behind you is on a similar route as yours.
However, that is not to say no one will ever follow you while you’re behind the wheel. Regardless, panicking will not help you handle the situation safely.
Try to Verify You Are Behind Followed
If you are driving on the street, make four right or left turns. If the same car is still behind you after making your last turn, chances are, you’re being followed. Most people don’t drive in circles.
When driving on the highway, a good way to determine you are behind followed is to move over to the right lane and drop your speed significantly. Most people don’t suddenly do this without a legitimate reason, so if the same car remains behind you as you change lanes and slow down, the driver may be following you.
Contact the Authorities
Call 9-1-1 and let the dispatcher know you are being followed and where you are. Provide as much information about the stalker’s vehicle as possible. If you feel as though you may be in danger, tell that to the dispatcher. Ask if they can send someone out to help you.
Drive to the Nearest Police Station or Fire Department
The police are tasked with enormous responsibilities and are not always available to respond to every call that comes in. If the police are unable to drive to you, go to them. Drive to the nearest police station or fire department and get them on the line when you arrive.
Most of the time, a stalker won’t stick around to find out what happens when the authorities get involved. Once you enter the parking lot of the station, your follower will likely flee.
DO NOT Drive Home
If you’re being followed, the last thing you want is for your stalker to know where you live. DO NOT drive home if you think someone is following you.
Ways to Avoid Being Followed
Most stalkers look for patterns. In your day-to-day routine, it is in your best interest to avoid driving the same routes, if you can avoid it. Change up your driving route from time to time and keep it random. Avoid sticking to a set schedule regarding your route so that your behavior is more unpredictable.
If you exercise outdoors, try to switch it up often and forgo a rigid routine. For example, avoid going for a run at the same time each day or on the same day each week. Again, the key is to keep your actions more unpredictable and inconsistent to a potential stalker.
We’re Here to Help Victims
If you’ve been an injured victim of a car accident as a result of a stalker or for any other reason, you may be owed compensation to help pay for your losses. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team right away to learn more about what we can do to help you recover the damages you deserve. We’re ready and willing to do everything possible to help you now.
Call our firm today at (504) 470-3935 or fill out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn how we can help.