The risks of driving alone can be exaggerated, if you are sensible about your safety you don't have to be afraid to drive on your own.

A well-maintained car is less likely to break down - have yours serviced regularly by a reputable garage.

Making regular simple checks on the car yourself will give you confidence. Check that the battery fluid is not low and that the tyres are not bald, and make sure that the lights, indicators, wipers and screen washers work. Keep your headlamp lenses and windscreen clean, and your fuel tank reasonably full.

Before you go

• Carry useful items such as jump-leads, towrope, fire extinguisher, car jack and a warning triangle.

• Take some cash with you.

• Keep a coat, sensible shoes, blanket, torch in the car.

• Have an ice scraper and de-icer spray handy in winter.

• Plan your route if the journey is unfamiliar, and keep to well-lit, main roads.

• Carry a road atlas.

• Take your mobile phone and charger with you.

• Tell someone your route, and what time you expect to arrive.

During your journey

• Keep valuables, briefcase, handbag and mobile phone out of sight.

• In town, lock the car doors and keep the windows and sunroof only partly open.

• When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to pull out from behind the car you are following.

• If someone tries to get into your car, attract attention by sounding your horn or a personal alarm.

• Beware of anyone who signals that there is something wrong with your car, unless you know that they are right and it is dangerous to drive on.

• If you think that you are being followed, drive on to the nearest police station or busy place to get help.

You MUST stop for the police. If you are worried, ask for identification through a closed window - and keep the engine running until you are satisfied.

Any motoring organisation patrol or garage mechanic sent to help you will carry proof of identity. Ask to see this before unlocking your car.

I know it should go without saying, but - NEVER give lifts to strangers, no matter how sweet and innocent they might look!

Parking

• In car parks: reverse into a space so that you can drive away quickly.

• Note which floor and area you have parked in,

• Don't fumble for your car keys, have them ready in hand when you return.

• Don't park next to a vans sliding doors. For one you don't know if anyone is behind the door, and two the van is generally taller than your car cutting down the surveillance others and CCTV may have of you leaving or returning to your vehicle

On street:

• choose a busy, well-lit place, and have your car keys ready as you return to the car

• imagine how the scene will look if you have to return after dark