I’m often told that getting into a car at night or in an unfamiliar location is scary and worrying. That walk in the dark, on your own, is something that fills you with fear - and rightly so - it’s an ideal opportunity for a would-be attacker. However, by planning ahead and following some simple advice you can take positive steps to make yourself a hard target and avoid danger.

Park wisely

When you park your car you need to realise that when you come back to it later on, it can be a totally different environment. This is especially true if you are returning at night or in a multi-storey car park. So, when you park, think ahead, ask yourself:

Is there CCTV and/or a warden?
What time is the car park open until?
How far away from the entrance are you?
Where is the ticket machine in relation to your car? Will you have to walk across a deserted car park to get to it or can you pay by app?

Return safely to your car

Before returning to your car, get yourself prepared and follow these key steps to stay safe:

Have your keys in your hand - hold them in a tight grip so that you can use them as a weapon, should you need to.
Take a wide approach - scan around the car from a distance to ensure no-one is hiding behind a wheel or underneath.
Survey the area - is there anyone hanging around or sitting in a car, is there a van parked next to you, is there anyone following you.

Trust your sixth sense

This is so important in every aspect of self defence - trust your gut instinct. We have a sixth sense for a reason, to protect us from danger, always listen to what your body is telling you.

If something doesn’t feel right don’t just think ‘I’m being silly, it’ll be fine’, act on it. Go back to where there are more people and find some help.

Getting into your car

Before getting into your car, quickly check there is no-one in the vehicle e.g. behind the back seats or under a blanket or coat.

As soon as you get in, lock the doors and start your engine. Don’t wait for the doors to lock automatically when you drive away and don’t start looking at your phone - this could give an attacker the few seconds they need to jump in or hold a knife to you.

Get into your car quickly and lock the doors straight away.

If someone does approach your car, drive away as soon as you can. Don’t feel you have to talk to anyone, don’t open the door or window, don’t worry about being rude. Your safety and getting home to your family is much more important than appearing rude.

How to defend yourself in a car

Making yourself a hard target, being aware and planning ahead should help you avoid dangerous situations. However, if someone does get into the car with you then you need to act fast.

Statistics show that the longer you are in the car with someone and the more remote the location, the more danger you are in.

If you are able to, use your training and adrenaline to fight them off. Remember, you do have a chance, you can fight back - it’s not going to be pretty, get nasty, do whatever it takes and you can turn it around and defend yourself.

If you are being forced to drive the car, put your seatbelt on, pick up speed and crash the car in a public area, obviously trying to avoid injuring any bystanders. This may sound dramatic but people will always attend a car crash and provide help.

A car can be replaced but you can’t - and avoiding an attack and the lifelong trauma that comes from that is crucial.

Self Defence Training

If you would like more information about staying safe in your car or learning self defence, get in touch to discuss organising self defence classes at your business, group or in your local area.

We also have a range of affordable online self defence courses that you can complete at home in your own time.

Self defence tip - getting in your car