us Personal safety & immediate danger being followed while driving • followed in car near home • someone tailing me home • suspicious car behind me • think a car is following • approaching my house followed • worried they know my address • road rage driver following • stalker car tailing me • unsafe arriving home • being followed at night driving • panicking while driving home • do not go home followed • drive to police station followed • call 911 being followed • public place safety stop • unsure if someone is following

What to do if…
you suspect you are being followed while driving and you are approaching home

Short answer

Do not drive to your home or pull into your driveway. Call 911 and drive to a safe, public place (or a police/fire station if nearby) as directed by the dispatcher.

Do not do these things

Do not go home “to get inside quickly” or open your garage/driveway gate.
Do not park on your street to confirm your suspicion.
Do not stop in an isolated spot to call someone or check your phone.
Do not confront the driver, gesture at them, or get out of your vehicle.
Do not try to “shake them” by speeding, weaving, or making unsafe turns.
Do not film or handle your phone while driving. Use hands-free or wait until you’re safely stopped.
Do not drive to someone else’s home (friends/family) and involve them.

What to do now

Stay on well-lit, busier roads and do not go home. Keep doors locked and windows up.
Do a quick, safe “pattern check.” If safe, make a simple loop (around a block) or take two normal turns that keep you on main streets. If the same vehicle stays with you, treat it as real.
Call 911 and say you think you’re being followed. Tell the dispatcher:
- Your location (cross streets/highway exits), direction of travel, and that you’re not going home
- The other vehicle’s description and license plate if you can read it safely
- Whether you feel in immediate danger Then follow their instructions (they may direct a meet point or send an officer to your location).
Drive to a “help location.” Prefer a place that is:
- Open, staffed, and well-lit (24-hour gas station, large store, hospital entrance), or
- A police or fire station if it is close and you can get there without isolating yourself. If you’re unsure where to go, ask 911 to direct you.
If you stop, stay in the car unless told otherwise. Park under lights near an entrance. Keep the car locked. Turn hazards on so you’re visible.
If you think the person is trying to pull you over and you’re not sure it’s a real officer (possible impersonator): turn on hazards, keep driving calmly at a safe speed, and call 911 to verify the stop and get a safe place to pull over. Aim for a well-lit, populated area (or a station) as the dispatcher directs.
After you’re safe, write down details while they’re fresh. Time, route, vehicle description, plate number, and anything distinctive. This makes a report much easier.

What can wait

You do not need to “prove” you’re being followed before calling 911.
You do not need to contact multiple people or post online right now.
You do not need to decide what this “means” tonight—focus only on staying mobile, not going home, and getting help.

Important reassurance

It’s common to doubt yourself in the moment. Choosing the safer option (not going home, calling 911, going somewhere public and staffed) is reasonable even if it turns out to be a misunderstanding.

Scope note

This is first steps only—what to do in the next few minutes. If this happens more than once, or you suspect a specific person, you may need additional local support later.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Only stop where it is safe and legal to do so.

Additional Resources

Support us

What to do if…you suspect you are being followed while driving and you are approaching home