What to do if someone is following you?

Monday, February 17, 2025

What to do if someone is following you?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

It’s a situation none of us want to imagine: you’re driving through Chicago and suddenly realize a car is trailing you. Being followed can be terrifying, but staying composed is crucial. What to do if someone is following you? First, don’t panic. Keep a steady speed, avoid sudden stops, and note key details about the vehicle behind you. Contact a trusted person and share your location. 

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Avoid driving directly home—opt for a police station, shopping center, or a well-lit area instead. If you feel endangered, call 911 immediately. At Malman Law, we understand how unsettling these situations can be, and we’re here to help. Whether an incident leads to a car accident or another legal matter, our team is ready to provide support.

Safety Tips If You Believe You Are Being Followed

Maintain Composure

Stay calm. If you think someone is following you, the worst thing you can do is panic. Anxious or rushed decisions can put you in greater danger or even lead to a car accident. Take deep breaths and keep a steady pace while staying alert to your surroundings. Note key details about the car following you, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number, if possible. This information can be crucial if you need to report the incident later.

Contact Someone You Trust

If you feel unsafe, call a friend or family member to inform them of your situation. Share your location using your phone’s GPS or give verbal updates about your whereabouts. If possible, put them on speakerphone so you can focus on driving. A second pair of ears may help keep you calm and provide guidance. In some cases, the mere act of making a visible phone call can deter someone from continuing to follow you.

Avoid Heading Directly to Home

When being followed, never drive straight home—this could lead the person to your residence, putting you at further risk. Instead, take detours and avoid isolated roads or areas with limited visibility. Drive toward places with surveillance cameras, such as shopping centers, gas stations, or police stations. These locations provide witnesses and could discourage the person from continuing to follow you.

Seek Immediate Assistance

If you feel that your safety is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Do not hesitate, as law enforcement is trained to handle these situations and can offer guidance on what to do next. Provide the dispatcher with your location, the direction you’re heading, and details about the suspicious vehicle.

According to the Chicago Police Department, reporting suspicious behavior is crucial to community safety. If you believe you are in danger, pull over in a safe, public area and wait for authorities to arrive (Chicago Police Department).

Head to Populated Areas

If possible, drive to a busy and well-lit area such as a shopping mall, hospital, or police station. Crowded places with security personnel or surveillance cameras can make it harder for someone to act with any malicious intent.

Once you arrive at a secure location, stay in your locked car and observe whether the suspicious vehicle follows you. If they do, honk your horn, flash your lights, or draw attention to yourself. If they leave, wait a few minutes before continuing to your final destination.

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN

Founding Attorney

Strategies to Prevent Being Followed

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, taking proactive steps can reduce the chances of someone following you.

• Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in parking lots and when leaving work or public spaces. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
• Vary your routine: The same route every day makes it easy for someone to track you. Change up your commute occasionally to make it less predictable.
• Limit distractions: Try not to use your phone if you are driving or walking alone. Distractions are a deterrent from looking around you to see if anyone is watching or following you.
• Employ Defensive Driving Techniques: If you believe a car is following you, do not make any sudden stops or take any undue risks. Instead, keep driving at a steady speed and check their actions over several turns before taking action.
• Lock Up Your Car: Park in well-lit areas and always keep your car doors locked. Be wary of anyone who may be lingering around your car as you approach it.

According to North Park University personal safety, some simple strategies that help in keeping one safe include paying attention to exits, locking the doors when driving, and listening to your gut feeling among others as indicated below.

Need Legal Assistance? Contact Malman Law

If you were followed and that led to an accident or legal issue, then this is where Malman Law comes in. With decades of experience in personal injury and car accident cases in the city of Chicago, we pride ourselves on protecting your rights. Call us now for a free consultation at 1-888-625-6265.