What would you have done--creepy follower (long)

[PamNY]

I think you did well -- first to notice the possible stalker, and second to take action. It's not easy to make a perfect decision in the heat of the moment, so I wouldn't second-guess myself if I were you.

It's good that you posted here because it helps the rest of us think through what we would do, and to be more prepared if something bad happens.

Pam

[Trek420]

Speaking of 911 for most of us if you dial 911 from a cell phone you get highway patrol. Then a transfer or two or three later you get your local police, fire, medical.

These dispatchers do a tremendous job but for most of us while I hope we never ever need it pleeeeeeease put the local pots (that's plain ol' telephone service) numbers for police, fire and medical in your cell for where you live, work and ride.

Those of you with only a cell and no land line this is doubly important.

[LoriO]

As someone who as worked in law enforcement (911 dispatcher for over 20 years) I have this to offer. First off, try and ride to the most populated area you can find. The more people around the better! Call 911 as soon as you possibly can, if you can get a plate, great, if not don't put yourself in jeopardy to get it. Just try and give us the best description of the veh and/or person that you can. Make note of anything that may stand out, a dent, bumper sticker, anything!!! Try and stay on the line with 911 so you can give additional information in case the vehicle/person starts to leave the area, let us know direction of travel, etc.

As for where your cell phone 911 call gets routed to, that is going to vary from state to state and where the designated call taker center for that area is. Here in CT, 911 calls get routed to the 911 center that is closest to the cell phone tower that picks up the call, and as a backup in case of a routing glitch it will go to the nearest state police barracks and then routed to the correct PD.

[LoriO]

just want to add, that Treks advise about entering the routine number for your PD in your cell phone is a very good one! There have been a few times when I have had to call something in while driving and while it isn't a 911 emergency is something that should be reported so I can just flip to my address book and press dial.

I have 3 towns that I drive through back and forth to work every day and I have each of those numbers in my phone and have had occasion to use each one at least once to report stuff

[KathiCville]

Great thread...I ride alone most of the time, and the tips offered above are ones that I'll definitely incorporate into my riding habits from now on. I'm usually focused on cars/trucks purely from the potential collision standpoint. Thank you for making me aware of other possible dangers, too!

[NoNo]

Wow, that's scary. I think you did a lot better than I would have in that situation. I'm not sure I would have even noticed there was someone following me. And I think your idea of turning onto your friend's street made perfect sense at the time, especially if they had been home. My first instinct would have been to find the nearest house of someone I knew (if there weren't businesses around). I, too, ride alone most of the time, so I will take the tips here with me. A very informative thread!

[OakLeaf]

I'm not sure I would have even noticed there was someone following me.

And another reason to regularly check your rear-view mirror!

[Aggie_Ama]

I have the local sheriff, police departments and the 911 function enabled on my phone. The sheriff is the most helpful because the cities like to "hot potato" if you are in their jurisdiction.

[Trek420]

I'm usually focused on cars/trucks purely from the potential collision standpoint. Thank you for making me aware of other possible dangers, too!

Great thread! And again, glad everything is ok, you done good!

I don't want us to worry about everything that could happen along the road. Nor should our random thoughts be "pothole, unleashed dog, car back, gotta read the license plates backwards of the cars behind me .... ooooh, it's pretty out! where's my escape route from here?"

The best self defense is get out there and ride looking fabulous, confident, aware, and strong enough to kick some @zz if it came to that because we are.

Get outside and ride!

[Triskeliongirl]

I have been in this situation, and I always drove into a highly populated area, shopping plaza, etc., and then texted the license plate number to my husband w a brief note on what is going on. Usually that makes the creep drive away, so I never felt threatened enough to call 911, but obviously that is a judgement call you need to make in the specific situation.