It is a deplorable fact of life that a woman on the streets alone, whether as driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian, is vulnerable to attack. 
If you're driving there are some basic precautions you can take.

• Always lock the doors and keep the windows closed as much as possible. 
• Keep your handbag and any valuables out of sight. Leave the back seat empty, carry all luggage/shopping in the boot. Do not leave jackets/coats hanging in the back seat. It is not uncommon for these to be stolen from cars stopped in traffic.
• Remember your horn. If someone approaches your windows, or a car seems to be trying to make you stop, use it. Noise is a proven deterrent to attackers. 
• If you're driving through unfamiliar territory study your route in advance. Carry an adequate map and avoid having to ask for directions. 
• On longer journeys tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
• If you think you are being followed drive straight into the car park of the nearest Garda Station, or failing that to a busy public place, e.g. a garage forecourt. Trust your instincts, don't tell yourself that you're imagining things. 
• When stopped in traffic leave enough space to pull out from behind the car in front. 
• Never give lifts to strangers regardless of the circumstances. 

• Choose a well-lit spot. When parking in daylight but returning much later consider what the space will look like in darkness.
• Where possible reverse into a parking space to enable you to drive out. This is particularly useful in multi-storey car parks.
• When returning to your car have your keys in your hand to avoid having to search through a bag or coat.

• The quality of service stations in Ireland is excellent by European standards. Perhaps for this reason people often take security for granted; indeed the good illumination and closed-circuit cameras do discourage crime. However car crime can occur on brightly-lit forecourts so keep in mind;

• Do not leave doors unlocked while paying for fuel.

• Do not leave valuables in plain sight in the car while inside the garage.

• Take the same precautions against personal attack as you would parking anywhere else.

• Keep your car in good working order. Check the oil, battery and the tyre pressures regularly.Don't let your fuel tank run close to empty – keep it well topped up. Make sure your spare wheel is in good condition. 

• Consider an automatic latex puncture repair aerosol to get you to the nearest garage.

• Carry a set of jump leads, some basic tools and a torch.

• If you do not have a mobile phone, carry a phone card and change for a public telephone.

• You should be a Member of the AA. This means you can freephone reliable help 24 hours a day, no matter where you are. When giving your details to the Rescue Centre tell them that you are a woman on your own. This gives you immediate priority and the nearest Rescue Patrol will if necessary be diverted from another job to get to you.
• If possible stop the car in a well-lit spot as close to a public phone as is practical. Keep going until you can stop in the best place. Your safety is of paramount importance, not your car.
• Consider carrying a mobile phone, and if you have one make sure that the battery is charged. The AA provides them free with membership; other organisations offer them as incentives as well so the cost can be relatively modest.
• If you have to stop on the Motorway hard shoulder we recommend that you leave the car. The AA's experience shows that a very high proportion of Motorway accidents involve vehicles parked on the hard shoulder; this is much more of a danger to you than potential attack. Stay out of the car with the passenger door open and all other doors locked. This means you can secure yourself inside the vehicle quickly if you are threatened.

• If you are on a secondary or minor road remain in the car with all doors locked.

• Be very careful accepting help from a Garage/Mechanic who has not been sent by the AA and always check their credentials thoroughly. Talk to them through a closed window until you are sure of their bona fides.

• If you do decide to accept help take a note of the registration number and colour of the vehicle which stopped and leave these details in your car before you get out.

• Carry a personal alarm, and again remember your horn. Don't be reluctant to use them; it is far better to frighten someone who doesn't deserve it than not to frighten a potential attacker.
  
  If marooned, never hitch a lift.

• If you see an incident or an accident, or if someone tries to flag you down, think first: Is it genuine? Could you help?

• It is often safer to report what you have seen by phone.

These are basic precautions that everyone can take, and they will significantly reduce the likelihood of you being attacked.