Your Guide to Getting Places Safely

Your Guide to Getting Places Safely

A lot of us prefer to commute to work, school or just about anywhere. Why shouldn’t we? It is a cost effective way of getting from point A to point B without having to worry about parking, driving etc., AND you get to reduce your carbon footprint too. A win-win for you and the environment. With that said, there is a staggering amount of harassment and crimes are reported to be happening during a commute. So here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get to your destination safely.

 

Plan Ahead.

No matter what mode of transportation you take, make sure to plan your route. Try to avoid rush hours as these are peak times for mischief as well; with thousands of people trying to get somewhere as quickly as possible, it is easy to let your guard down as you focus on getting through the crowds, making you an easy target for theft and what not. 

 

Communicate.

Let someone know when you left your place and where you are going. This way, if anything goes wrong, they would have an idea of where to look for you. If it is possible, find out if anybody you know is going the same way as you and you can travel together. There is strength in numbers, you know. Solo travellers are easier targets than someone who has company. If there is anything suspicious, let someone know as soon as it’s safe. Report any incidents you witness.

 

Trust Your Instincts.

If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or you are being watched, act on it. Be aware of your surroundings, and be ready for anything. Carrying a personal safety alarm with you will deter an attack without resorting to violence or confronting the attacker. A personal safety alarm like this will get you attention, scare off the attacker and give you the chance to run away if needed. Choose a personal safety alarm that is easy to use and carry so you can have it on your person at all times. 

 

Be Aware.

Long commutes can be a good time to catch up on reading, listen to music and disconnect from the hustle and bustle. But it is also a good place for attackers to target people who have let their guards down. Not saying do nothing on your commute; but just make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Listen to music but make sure you can still hear your surroundings. Read a book, do some work, but ensure your belongings are close to you, if not attached to you by any means. Stay in a well-lit place where there are people who can help you if needed. Note all possible exits in case of emergencies.  

 

There are so many ways to defend yourself from any attackers, but the best way to do it is to prevent it from happening at all. Attackers can come up with ingenious ways to change their MO, but before anything else, they need an easy target to carry it out. Ensuring you do not get into the situation where they can take advantage of you is key to keeping safe. 

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