Women, feel empowered at a roadblock – know you have options

As a woman travelling alone, you may want to consider having a security back-up plan in place.

Tips for women when asked to pull over by police officers. Photo: File Image

Fidelity ADT’s regional executive, Agnieszka Gryn, said it’s important that women know their rights when it comes to roadblocks and being pulled over and that there are options.

“We hear scary stories of people being pulled over by criminals posing as police officers.

“As a woman travelling alone, you may want to consider having a security back-up plan in place if you are unsure about whether you are legitimately being pulled over.

“Some security companies offer a meet and greet type service that you could call on to assist while another option would be a security app that acts as mobile panic button and can track you along your route,” she said.

What’s also important is knowing your rights and making the right choices when either approaching a roadblock or being pulled over.

“Making the experience a safe and stress-free one for all parties concerned is the key,” she said.

Gryn offers the following advice:

If you are stopped at a SAPS check-point, they will direct you to where you need to pull your vehicle off the road. You must obey and stop. This is normally a standard planned roadblock which is easily identified by the cars in front of you that have been pulled over.

If you have been flashed to stop by a marked or unmarked police vehicle, put your hazards on to acknowledge their request and start driving slower or signal by hand that they must follow you.

Make sure that you bring your vehicle to a standstill where it is safe for all. If there is a nearby garage, rather pull into the garage parking area or the nearest police station.

Typically, the officer will ask you to turn off your vehicle without taking your keys. They can, however, take your keys if circumstances make it necessary.

You may request that the officer provide identification irrespective of whether or not they are in uniform.

Only if you have given the officers consent to search your vehicle, may they do so. Otherwise they must have a warrant to search the vehicle. A female body search can only be performed by a female officer.

If in doubt at any point, contact 10111 and give them the registration details and as much info as possible about the vehicle that is asking you to pull off. Make sure your phone is on hands-free the moment you get into the car and that the security app is switched on.

Speak in a calm but audible tone and follow instructions. Present your driver’s license if requested. If it is in the boot, inform the officer that it is in your boot and you need to get out of the vehicle to get to it.

Do not pay any bribes, no matter how small.

The only way to avoid being stopped for outstanding fines is to not have them in the first place. Drive responsibly and do not pay any fines on the spot.

“The men and women in blue are there to protect and serve us, let’s make this a good experience for them too,” she said.