Method of using a vehicle to alert to potential risks includes determining that a user of the vehicle will be absent; determining an estimated absence time; and sending an alert to authorities, via a control system, if the user does not return within the estimated absence time. The method may include receiving the estimated absence time from the user, or the control system of the vehicle determines the absence and the estimated absence time. The user may define the absence and input the estimated absence time through a centralized location, such that the alert is sent from the centralized location. Following expiration of the estimated absence time, detecting a pedestrian near the vehicle, and then playing a pre-recorded emergency message through speakers, such that the pedestrian is made aware of the pre-recorded emergency message. Vehicle lights/horn may operate to guide the user, possibly in decaying fashion.