What to Do If You Feel Like a Car Is Following You

Safety is paramount when driving, and feeling followed can be a scary experience. If you notice a car following you, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety. This article will guide you through steps to protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you are being followed. We will also explore the underlying reasons for such situations.

Identifying Potential Risks

When you feel like a car is following you, a few possibilities exist, and each requires different actions to ensure your safety. The following scenarios might be occurring:

Unusual Behavior: If you feel like you are being followed, it might be a private investigator or the police tracking you. They may be conducting an investigation or looking for something you're involved in, such as a meeting with an ex-girlfriend related to allegations of drug use.

Shadow or Following: Sometimes, you might think the car is following because your shadow is behind you. However, shadows do not follow you; they are always with you, making it important to focus on the following car's behavior and actions.

Taking Immediate Action

Here are some steps you can take if you are concerned about a following car:

Bug Out from Home

If you start noticing a car following you, try to get away from areas with a high risk, such as your residential area. You can:

Take a different route to work or home. Go to a single-lane road about 15 miles outside of town and drive fast (e.g., 85 mph) to see if the car keeps up. If it does, it might be a tagalong. Accelerate to the point where you are one of the fastest vehicles around. Look for a very slow-moving vehicle in your right lane and follow it. In close proximity, like in a city, if the car is tailing you, they might be trying to avoid your view. They often move to the shoulder side when stopping at traffic lights, trying to hide their face.

Seek Help from Authorities

If you are certain a car is following you, it might be wise to:

Note the car's license plate number. Make a quick stop at your local police or Cop Shop. Confront them as they often back off if they realize you know they are there.

Stay Cautious and Pay Attention to Details

When dealing with a suspected follower, pay careful attention to the following actions:

Note that a car following you is not just behind you but can also be in front of you or beside you. Stoplights and traffic jams can reveal the follower's intentions. If the car keeps getting off to the right, they are trying to hide their face. Sudden changes in direction can help you lose the car. Slowly shift your vehicle towards the shoulder to throw off the car behind you.

Conclusion

Dealing with a following car can be a worrying situation, but taking the right steps can help ensure your safety. Always be alert and prepared, and take necessary actions based on the situation. Whether it's seeking help from the police, noting the license plate, or changing your route, staying vigilant is key to protecting yourself from any potential threats.