While police search for a man who reportedly impersonated a police officer and raped an Athens woman Thursday, local organizations are urging students to use caution when driving alone.

Hilary Ruston, co-coordinator of the Rape Crisis Center of Northeast Georgia, said her office was concerned because it thinks the suspect might have been targeting students.

Drivers should look for signs someone is a real police officer, Ruston said.

"Unless drivers are asked to perform a field sobriety test it is very unusual for an officer to ask them to get out of their vehicle," Ruston said.

When drivers are pulled over by a police officer at night, Ruston advised they go to a 24-hour, well-lit location.

Nancy Zechella, executive director of Safe Campuses Now, said drivers should be alert to vehicles following them.

"You should put on your hazards and drive slowly to a populated area if you are being stopped at night," she said.

Drivers should look for police lettering on vehicles that stop them, Zechella said. She said a Georgia state law requires police cars to have a logo in large letters.

She added that drivers who have cellular phones should use them if they feel uncomfortable.

"If you have a cell phone, dial 911 and verify the officer’s identity," Zechella said. "Young people have every right to question people of authority."

Athens-Clarke County Police Spokeswoman Hilda Sorrow said impersonation of police officers is not common in Athens.

"We have only had one incident of people impersonating officers," Sorrow said.

The rape still is under investigation by ACC Police.

– Louis Rolfes