Your heart pounds. Your palms sweat. The same car has been behind you for miles. It’s making every turn you make. This is not a coincidence. When you suspect you’re being followed, your mind can race with fear. That fear is a signal to act, but you need to act smartly. Making the wrong move could lead you into a more dangerous situation. Police and safety experts have clear guidelines for what to do in this terrifying scenario. Your goal is to get to safety and alert authorities without escalating the situation. Here are seven urgent steps to take immediately.
1. Confirm Your Suspicion Without Alerting Them
First, you need to be sure. Paranoia can be misleading. Use a simple tactic known as the “four right turns.” Make four consecutive right turns to circle a block. If the car is still behind you after you’ve made a complete circle, your suspicion is confirmed. This maneuver is common enough that it won’t necessarily tip off the other driver that you are onto them. Stay as calm as possible. Panic is the enemy of a clear head.
2. Do Not Drive Home or to Your Workplace
This is the most critical rule. Your first instinct might be to rush to a place you feel safe. However, leading your pursuer to your home is the worst thing you can do. You would be revealing where you live, putting yourself and your family at risk. They could then target you at a later time. The same logic applies to your workplace or the home of a friend or relative. Do not lead them to any location associated with you.
3. Call 911 and Clearly State Your Situation
Use your cell phone, ideally with a hands-free device, to call for help. Tell the dispatcher, “I am being followed.” Give them your name, your current location, and a description of your car. Also provide the make, model, color, and license plate number of the car following you, if possible. Stay on the line with the dispatcher. They can provide instructions and guide police to your location. Knowing they are on the line can also help you stay calm.
4. Drive to a Police Station, Fire Station, or Hospital
If you don’t know where the nearest police station is, the 911 dispatcher can direct you. These are “safe havens.” They are staffed 24/7 and have a high-security presence. A person with bad intentions is highly unlikely to follow you into the parking lot of a police station. If you can’t get to one of those, drive to a busy, well-lit public place. A crowded supermarket or a 24-hour gas station is a good alternative. Do not get out of your car until you see help arrive.
5. Use Your Phone to Signal for Help
If you are unable to make a call, use your phone in other ways. If you are at a stoplight, you can type a message on your screen and show it to the driver next to you. A simple message like “CALL 911 – CAR BEHIND ME IS FOLLOWING” can be very effective. You can also turn on your hazard lights. This signals to other drivers and police that something is wrong with your vehicle, drawing attention to your situation.
6. Make Unexpected Turns to Verify You’re Being Followed
This is a secondary confirmation tactic. Besides the four-right-turn rule, you can make other unusual driving moves. For instance, you can signal a turn and then continue straight. If the car behind you mimics this strange move, it further confirms their intent. Do not engage in high-speed chases or aggressive driving. This can cause an accident and escalate the danger. Your goal is to confirm and evade safely.
7. If on Foot, Head to a Crowded, Well-Lit Area
If you suspect you’re being followed while walking, the principles are similar. Do not go home. Instead, walk into a busy store, a restaurant, or any public place with many people. Go up to an employee or cashier and tell them what is happening. Ask them to call the police. Stay in the public area until the police arrive. The presence of witnesses is a powerful deterrent.
Your Safety Plan Is Your Power
The feeling of being followed is terrifying because it robs you of your sense of control. Having a plan restores that power. Knowing these steps can help you override your fear and make rational, safe decisions. Your priority is to create distance, draw attention, and get professional help. Your preparedness is your best defense against those who wish you harm.
What other personal safety tips do you rely on? Share them in the comments section.
What to Read Next…
- 10 Signs You’re Being Investigated Without Being Told
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- The Creepiest Places Women Keep Getting Followed (And How to React)
- 7 Psychological Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.
