Where to put your handbag when driving?

Alicat

Just wondering what all the ladies do with their handbag when they're driving.

I've only really started driving so the most obvious place to me seemed to be on the floor on the passenger side, tucked to the front or back as much as possible. And I always lock the doors when I get in the car.

I've heard of some people putting theirs in the boot...which I thought was weird.

beachbabe

Used to put it in passenger side on the floor. One day someone broke passenger side window and stole it. Now it is always in the boot... I dont think that is weird......

Alicat

beachbabe wrote: »

Used to put it in passenger side on the floor. One day someone broke passenger side window and stole it. Now it is always in the boot... I dont think that is weird......

It just seems so far away! Don't like not having it to hand.

Suppose it's better than having it stolen though :rolleyes:

Loopy

I leave mine just under my legs on the floor whilst driving - Im quite tall so no probs with it getting tangled in pedals or anything, yet :rolleyes:

White_Feather

looptheloop wrote: »

I leave mine just under my legs on the floor whilst driving - Im quite tall so no probs with it getting tangled in pedals or anything, yet :rolleyes:

+100
I do that too, and always push it further back so on the off chance that some scumbag might smah my window, they will haee trouble getting it!

Blush_01

Passenger side, I can't drive without a licensed driver with me, so there's always legs between the window and my bag.

Katie23

I always put mine on the passenger side floor.

Stheno

Katie23 wrote: »

I always put mine on the passenger side floor.

Same here if driving alone, most of my driving is between offices in work and on motorways/at speed so hard to break in.

In Dublin, if I have to drive there, I keep my bag behind the drivers seat almost under it?

Daithi McGee

I hang mine off that big stickie out thing in the middle with numbers on it.

Jemmy

looptheloop wrote: »

I leave mine just under my legs on the floor whilst driving

That seems pretty dodgey and unsafe imo.
I just keep mine on the passenger floor. Dont drive in the city much but doors are always locked when i do.

peanuthead

looptheloop wrote: »

I leave mine just under my legs on the floor whilst driving - Im quite tall so no probs with it getting tangled in pedals or anything, yet :rolleyes:

maybe im totally wrong, but is that not dangerous?? Imagine it somehow wedged itself under your brake pedal, and you couldnt brake?? Im probably gone a bit ott there but I would feel extremely weird about having any foreign objects under my legs (no smart comments please!!;)) when driving.

Stheno

peanuthead wrote: »

maybe im totally wrong, but is that not dangerous?? Imagine it somehow wedged itself under your brake pedal, and you couldnt brake?? Im probably gone a bit ott there but I would feel extremely weird about having any foreign objects under my legs (no smart comments please!!;)) when driving.

Agreed I am tall and have a 34 inch inside leg, but I'm not going to impede my driving ability with my bag on the floor of my seat!

fonpokno

I'm just starting to drive so I always put it under the legs of the person accompanying me. My mam's always telling me to put it in the boot but for some reason that just doesn't make sense to me.... I like having my bag to hand!

My mam puts it under her legs while she drives. I must try that...

Alicat

I can't even bear the thought of putting the bag on the driver's side. Even if I had pushed it well back under the seat I would be far too scared that a strap or handle would be dislodged and get caught on a pedal or my foot.

My gran nearly went through the window of a shop last year cause her open-toed sandal got caught on the accelerator. Only that a bollard was in the way she would have done some serious damage. So now I'm totally paranoid about keeping things/straps/handles away from my feet and the pedals.

peanuthead

Alicat wrote: »

I can't even bear the thought of putting the bag on the driver's side. Even if I had pushed it well back under the seat I would be far too scared that a strap or handle would be dislodged and get caught on a pedal or my foot.

My gran nearly went through the window of a shop last year cause her open-toed sandal got caught on the accelerator. Only that a bollard was in the way she would have done some serious damage. So now I'm totally paranoid about keeping things/straps/handles away from my feet and the pedals.

+1

I couldnt do it either, and I cant believe people think its a good idea!! Although what I also cant believe is that people would actually break into a car while there is someone in it!! I know it happens but I think its crazy!!

Thoie

I like bags with a long shoulder strap, so I generally leave it on the floor of the passenger side, but have the strap held in by my seatbelt. Not saying someone couldn't pull hard enough to break the strap, but if they're going for a quick snatch they're unlikely to be pulling that hard.

shoelaceface

no way would i leave it under my feet!! was driving a few years ago and coming up to a roundabout that you rarely have to stop at, its one of those small pointless kind of ones! and a car came so i went to brake and a bottle rolled from the back of the car in under the seat and under the pedals and the brake couldnt be pressed!! luckily i wasnt going too fast and i did poke it out in time with my foot!! but after that no way would i have anything on my side! even if someone puts something on the back seat i make sure its on the passengers side so that if something rolls it wont go under the pedal again....


you think it wont happen but it has and if something rolls under the brake you might not have time to get it out.. be careful! id rather have my bag stolen than be killed or worse kill someone else!

Alicat

peanuthead wrote: »

+1

I couldnt do it either, and I cant believe people think its a good idea!! Although what I also cant believe is that people would actually break into a car while there is someone in it!! I know it happens but I think its crazy!!

Scumbags will do sh!tty things like that!

My OH told me last week that the latest thing these scummers are doing around certain parts of Dublin is watching out for people(mainly women) stopped at junctions or traffic lights who have their window open. They throw a live rat in the window on your lap, you panic/scream and get out of the car shrieking and the scumbag jumps into your car and drives off!

shoelaceface

Alicat wrote: »

Scumbags will do sh!tty things like that!

My OH told me last week that the latest thing these scummers are doing around certain parts of Dublin is watching out for people(mainly women) stopped at junctions or traffic lights who have their window open. They throw a live rat in the window on your lap, you panic/scream and get out of the car shrieking and the scumbag jumps into your car and drives off!

what:eek:

oh my god!

peanuthead

oh my god, in what parts of dublin is that happening in??? I bet its right where i live!!

shoelaceface

peanuthead wrote: »

oh my god, in what parts of dublin is that happening in??? I bet its right where i live!!

:eek::eek: im moving to dublin next week... ahem.... wont be bringing my car though so il be ok!

what are the chances of getting your bag robbed in dub city while walking along the main streets, grafton, o connell etc??? im always paranoid about that..

Alicat

shoelaceface wrote: »

what:eek:

oh my god!

peanuthead wrote: »

oh my god, in what parts of dublin is that happening in??? I bet its right where i live!!

He didn't tell me. I didn't even think to ask actually as I was too shocked! So I made a resolution that if anyone ever manages to throw a rat in my car I'll scream but try to keep driving a few hundred metres down the road until I'm well away :pac: (yeah right, I'd never manage it!)

peanuthead

just walking down the street? I dont know, I would say slim, as there are always alot of bodies around. But I dont really know. It has never happened to me, although some of the people who are on the streets at night begging can sometimes get a bit too close to you, I saw them talking to one guy once, and after they went round the corner he realised they had picpocketed his mobile phone!!!!
Seems that nowadays theyre not interested in robbing handbags, there going around stabbing eachother instead!!

but in all honesty, its like anywhere, you have to be careful during the day, and more careful at night.

Alicat

shoelaceface wrote: »

what are the chances of getting your bag robbed in dub city while walking along the main streets, grafton, o connell etc??? im always paranoid about that..

Ugh I know It's never happened to me but I never hold my bag by my side in one hand, I always have the strap on my shoulder and I hold on to the strap as well.

SnoozyS

I hang the straps round my gearstick as it'd want to be some giant to be able to reach that far Also, always lock my doors when driving.

I always leave my bag on the floor at the back.
My dad told me never to put it on the passenger seat or floor because it's easy access for someone who smashes the passenger window.

So it's down the back!

Creamy Goodness

looptheloop wrote: »

I leave mine just under my legs on the floor whilst driving - Im quite tall so no probs with it getting tangled in pedals or anything, yet :rolleyes:

White_Feather wrote: »

+100
I do that too, and always push it further back so on the off chance that some scumbag might smah my window, they will haee trouble getting it!

what cars do you's drive so i know to keep well away from yous?

Deleted User wrote: »

I always leave my bag on the floor at the back.
My dad told me never to put it on the passenger seat or floor because it's easy access for someone who smashes the passenger window.

So it's down the back!

someone can just as easily smash a back window too unless cars these days come with bullet proof glass for the back windows?

i'm wish i didn't stumble upon this thread :eek:

Thoie

Alicat wrote: »

Scumbags will do sh!tty things like that!

My OH told me last week that the latest thing these scummers are doing around certain parts of Dublin is watching out for people(mainly women) stopped at junctions or traffic lights who have their window open. They throw a live rat in the window on your lap, you panic/scream and get out of the car shrieking and the scumbag jumps into your car and drives off!

I've been hearing that one for 20 years, but have never actually heard of it happening - I think it's an urban legend.

Honey-ec

Thoie wrote: »

I've been hearing that one for 20 years, but have never actually heard of it happening - I think it's an urban legend.

Thank you! It is COMPLETELY an urban legend - I first heard that one when I was about 8. Do you not think that if this was a regular occurance (or, tbh, had even happened once) that it would be all over the news??? It amazes me how gullible some people are.

Back on topic, there is no way in hell I would drive with anything under/behind my feet. That is just madness. I leave my bag either in the passenger footwell, or if I have the top down, tucked in behind the passenger seat (I've no back seats).

WindSock

Yeah thats an old one, but still, whos to say they wouldnt try it? Luckily I am not afraid of rats but I'll always try to be vigilant when stopped at lights. I make sure my doors are locked and I have the strap of my bag on the gearstick, with a coat over it. If there is a passenger there then it's on the back floor, with a coat or whatever debris is in my car covering it too.

Thoie

WindSock wrote: »

Yeah thats an old one, but still, whos to say they wouldnt try it?

Well, maybe if we all stop posting the idea on the internet, they won't think of it themselves?

Pigletlover

It depends on which bag I have, it it's a small one I keep it between the driver and passenger seats, but if it's a big one and gets on the way of the handbreak I keep it on the paasenger seat. Bad habit I know, but I have to have it close to hand and I don't live in Dublin.

Honey-ec

WindSock wrote: »

Yeah thats an old one, but still, whos to say they wouldnt try it?

Yes, I can see various knackers setting humane traps around the place, checking them periodically, waiting for a rat to take the bait, then hanging around traffic lights with a large, angry rodent under their coat while they wait for a suitable target to come along...

Handbag snatchers are opportunistic by nature, they are going to make the easiest grab they possibly can, not go to all the trouble of procuring a rat and loitering around busy junctions where they're more than likely going to be picked up by a suspicious Garda within 15 minutes.

CatLady1

Wow, I'm amazed. Some of these replies seem crazy to me. I think it's so dangerous to be putting handbags in places like under your feet and around your gearstick!! :eek:

I don't see what the problem is with just putting your handbag in the boot. Surely its the safest place to put it and you're hardly going to need it when you're driving .

WindSock

Thoie wrote: »

Well, maybe if we all stop posting the idea on the internet, they won't think of it themselves?

I doubt very many scummers would bother reading a forum on the internet, least of all a lady forum.

Honey-ec wrote: »

Yes, I can see various knackers setting humane traps around the place, checking them periodically, waiting for a rat to take the bait, then hanging around traffic lights with a large, angry rodent under their coat while they wait for a suitable target to come along...

Or they could just buy/steal one from their local Whackers pet store...

But anyway, highly unlikely but still possible. It never hurts to be aware. Know that a rat is probably not going to hurt you if its put in your car, so spare yourself from lepping out of it like a mad eejit with the keys in the ignition

Dudess

If I'm alone, passenger seat. If accompanied, on the floor below the passenger seat... what's the big deal?

GeturGun

Dudess wrote: »

If I'm alone, passenger seat. If accompanied, on the floor below the passenger seat...

Same!

I should really make more effort to hide it though

*Dallas

Out of habit and laziness, i always have my bag on the floor on the passenger side with my jacket/cardigan on top of it. (probly makes it more obvious) lol

You have to remember, some scummers are bold as brass and desperate, so even to tie the bag around the gear stick or under your legs wouldnt matter. they could still smash the driver window, and grab the bag, or even pull you out of the car and drive off.

Thoie

*Dallas wrote: »

or even pull you out of the car and drive off.

In my case they'd need to be very large scumbags. Very large scumbags with a forklift. Very large scumbags, with a forklift and asbestos skin. Cos I normally have a lit cigarette somewhere close to hand

sunnyside

Guys, I'm still learning to drive, you're scaring me:D I have too many things to be remembering as it is without extra rules for handbags.

Pythia

Behind my seat. I have short legs so I wouldn't be able to fit it in front as I'm very near the pedals. The car is a 3 door so no one could get at my handbag without opening the door and pushing the seat back first.

Fast_Mover

Usually up on the passenger seat. If I have a passenger then I plonk it on their lap and they can do what they wish with it...

SMG123

I keep mine on the passenger seat, bad idea, I know but its just a bad habit - years ago, i was driving through Dublin, it was a dark evening, I was stopped at traffic lights and the doors werent locked, a guy (being polite!!) opened the door and tried to grab my bag, another guy opened the back door of the car, they probably werent sure if the bag would be in the back or the front, they didnt get it though, I grabbed it and held on for dear life!! A few cars beeped their horns and when the lights changed they just ran off leaving the doors open, so there was I, shaking like a leaf and had to get out of the car and walk around and close the doors after them!

beaushalloe

generally i drive with mine on my lap! not that im extra vigilent (i live down the country) its just a habit i got in to. now if i leave it on the floor my legs get cold!

Thoie

Here's an aside - where do you keep your licence? Most men I know seem to keep it in the driver side visor. As you're supposed to have your licence with you at all times when driving these days, do you bring it in and out to the car with you for each trip, or leave it in the car?

KateF

nouggatti wrote: »

Agreed I am tall and have a 34 inch inside leg, but I'm not going to impede my driving ability with my bag on the floor of my seat!

Yes but what you have to brake hard and your bag slides up towards the brakes and you've not realised....until....before you know its up around your feet! VERY dangerous! I wouldn't have thought it that dangerous until one time a bottle that my brother had left on the floor in the back had wandered around, and I got the fright of my life when I was braking and felt it around my feet! I'm very wary of things floating around the floor under my seat or in the back now.

Pythia

Thoie wrote: »

Here's an aside - where do you keep your licence? Most men I know seem to keep it in the driver side visor. As you're supposed to have your licence with you at all times when driving these days, do you bring it in and out to the car with you for each trip, or leave it in the car?

I just keep my license in my purse. I always have the purse with me when I go out so it makes sense. I use it for ID for alcohol as well so it's handy to have it there.

Creamy Goodness

KateF wrote: »

Yes but what you have to brake hard and your bag slides up towards the brakes and you've not realised....until....before you know its up around your feet! VERY dangerous! I wouldn't have thought it that dangerous until one time a bottle that my brother had left on the floor in the back had wandered around, and I got the fright of my life when I was braking and felt it around my feet! I'm very wary of things floating around the floor under my seat or in the back now.

exactly, and the make up brush will fall too make up everywhere, and the GHD will slip and burn her thighs too and to top it all off she'll get disconnected from the gossip phone call all whilst driving a car.

fonpokno

Pythia wrote: »

I just keep my license in my purse. I always have the purse with me when I go out so it makes sense. I use it for ID for alcohol as well so it's handy to have it there.

Me too, never take it out. I never go anwhere without my purse, I'd only lose my licence if I left it in the car. Plus it's my mam's car so god knows what she'd do with it.

Cremo wrote: »

exactly, and the make up brush will fall too make up everywhere, and the GHD will slip and burn her thighs too and to top it all off she'll get disconnected from the gossip phone call all whilst driving a car.

Stheno

KateF wrote: »

Yes but what you have to brake hard and your bag slides up towards the brakes and you've not realised....until....before you know its up around your feet! VERY dangerous! I wouldn't have thought it that dangerous until one time a bottle that my brother had left on the floor in the back had wandered around, and I got the fright of my life when I was braking and felt it around my feet! I'm very wary of things floating around the floor under my seat or in the back now.

Cremo wrote: »

exactly, and the make up brush will fall too make up everywhere, and the GHD will slip and burn her thighs too and to top it all off she'll get disconnected from the gossip phone call all whilst driving a car.

Err you both seem to have not noticed that I was agreeing with someone who said that they wouldn't drive with their handbag under their feet?

I said "I'm not going to impede my driving ability with my bag on the floor at my feet????

Creamy Goodness

oops sorry, i am only after seeing that now.

although i stand by my comments :pac: