Driving Safety tips for Muslims

 

 

 

Awareness and safety plans can help to protect yourself in various situations while driving.

 

 

Your vehicle

1. Ask yourself whether or not your car is visibally "Islamic" - do you hang a tasbih from your mirror, do you have Qur'anic ayahts anywhere on your car.  If so, remember that this can be the casue for others to damage your car.  Ask yourself whether or not your car is parked in 'safe' area.
2. Remember to say the travelling du'a (supplication)
3. Before a long trip, make sure your vehicle is in good condition.
4. Plan how to get to your destination before leaving, and stay on main roads if you can.
5. Make sure you have enough money and petrol. Carry a spare petrol/diesel can.
6. Keep change and a phone card, or invest in a mobile phone in case you need to make a telephone call. Carry a torch.
7. Before you leave, tell anyone you are planning to meet what time you think you will get there, and the route you are taking.
8. After dark, park in a well lit, busy place. Look around before you get out. If you're parking in daylight, but coming back for your car at night, think about how things will look in the dark.
9. Have your key ready when you go back to your car. Make sure there is no one in the car.

 

While on your journey

1. If someone tries to flag you down, drive on until you come to a service station, or somewhere busy, and call the police. Do not pick up hitch-hikers.
2. Keep doors locked when driving and keep any bag, car phone or valuables out of sight. If you have the window open, only wind it down a little. Don't wind it down far enough to allow someone to reach in while you are stopped in traffic.
3. If you feel safer, keep your car doors locked at all times while driving.  It is easy for others to open your car door and get inside.
4. If you think you are being followed, try to alert others by flashing your lights and sounding your horn. Make as much noise as possible. If you can, keep driving until you come to a busy place.
5. If you frequently have to travel after dark, or if your job involves visiting people at home, consider getting a mobile phone or ask your employer to provide one.
6. Remember the difference between the common road-rage and Islamophobia.  Many times other drivers can lash out at others, out of general rage, and not down to you being a Muslim/ah.