If You're Being Followed in a Car
Do the four-right-turns test to confirm
Make four consecutive right turns. This brings you in a complete circle. Nobody accidentally makes four right turns following someone — if the car behind you is still there after four rights, you have confirmation. Do this before taking any other action so you're not overreacting to a coincidence.
Do NOT go home
This is the most critical instruction. Do not lead someone to your home address. Drive to a police station (search on Google Maps while stopped), a fire station, a hospital emergency entrance, or any busy public place with other people and cameras. These locations deter followers and ensure witnesses and help are nearby.
Call 911 while driving — stay on the line
Tell the dispatcher: "I believe I'm being followed. I'm heading to [location]." Stay on the line with them. They can dispatch a unit to meet you and keep you calm. You don't have to prove you're in danger — your genuine concern is sufficient. Give the color, make, model, and plate number of the vehicle behind you if you can read it safely.
Stay on busy, well-lit roads
Don't take shortcuts through residential side streets or industrial areas. Stick to main roads with other cars, streetlights, and businesses. The goal is witnesses — lots of them. If the follower's intent is bad, they're looking for an opportunity in isolation. Deny them that by staying visible.
Don't speed, drive erratically, or try to "lose" them
High-speed pursuit driving creates danger for you and others. You're not in a movie. Your goal isn't to outmaneuver them — it's to get to a safe location with witnesses. Stay at or near the speed limit. Drive predictably. Let the police handle the response.
If You're Being Followed on Foot
Go into a business — not to your car
A store, restaurant, pharmacy, lobby — anywhere with people and staff. Don't try to reach your car — a parking garage or parking lot is often the most isolated place in an urban environment. Once inside a business, tell a staff member what's happening. Most will call police and let you wait.
Change direction multiple times
Cross the street, double back, go around the block. You're testing the person and you're making yourself less predictable. Nobody accidentally mirrors your route through three direction changes. If they're following each turn, you have confirmation and you've bought time to reach a safe location.
Call someone and stay on the phone
Call a friend, family member, or 911. Narrate where you are out loud: "I'm on Main Street walking toward the Target, there's a person following me." The audio record matters. You're less likely to be approached while on the phone, and someone else knows exactly where you are.
If immediate danger: make noise, cause a scene
If you feel you're about to be approached and in immediate danger — yell, knock things over, attract as much attention as possible. An attacker's greatest asset is your silence. The most effective self-defense in public is drawing attention to yourself loudly and immediately. Yell "Stop following me" or "I need help" — not just "help" which people often ignore.
If You Think Someone Is Watching Your Home
If you've noticed the same vehicle parked near your home repeatedly, someone lingering or passing repeatedly on foot, or unusual activity that makes you uncomfortable:
- Note the time, date, location, and description of the vehicle or person
- Take photos from inside your home if you can do so safely
- Call your local police non-emergency line to report it — they can increase patrols
- Tell a trusted neighbor and ask them to watch too
- Don't confront the person directly — that escalates the situation unpredictably
- Consider a doorbell camera with video history — evidence matters if this escalates
Doorbell cameras create a record and deter approach
Ring Video Doorbell 4's color pre-roll captures 4 seconds before motion triggers — faces, vehicles, the full approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the police don't take me seriously?
File the report anyway and get a case number. If the situation continues or escalates, the documented history becomes important for a restraining order or further legal action. If you feel the police are genuinely dismissing a serious threat, ask to speak with a supervisor.
I was being followed by someone I know. What are my options?
This may qualify as stalking, which is a crime in all 50 states. Document every incident — time, date, what happened. Save any texts, voicemails, or messages. Report to police with your documentation. An attorney can help you obtain a restraining or protective order.
Is it okay to have a personal alarm or other defensive tool?
A personal alarm (loud, handheld device that makes 120dB sound) is legal everywhere and effective at drawing attention. Pepper spray is legal in most states with some restrictions. Firearms require proper licensing and training. Whatever you carry, training to use it and legal understanding of your rights are both essential.