Sixty three years ago, African-American Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus just so a White man could sit instead. Parks was arrested after the White bus driver called the police on her. This became what is now considered one of the important moments in American history. While the huge picture here is about the evils of racism, Parks’ ordeal also showed how women can easily be harassed while riding a bus or any mode of public transportation, for that matter. This proves how important it is to know the different travel safety tips for commuters.
Plan Your Route
If you’re new to a place, you should take the time to plan your route. Tourists are easy targets for criminals just because most of their lack of knowledge of the place and people. If you’re planning a vacation in another country or even another state, make sure you familiarize yourself with the public transportation.
Stay Alert
So you already know the route and other important details of your trip. Your next step is to get the bus stop or train station. You’ll probably do a little walking. Don’t let your guard down as you walk down the streets to get to your destination.
Make sure you’re not pre-occupied by something else. Keep your eyes wide open to tripping over an obstacle or falling into a manhole.
Put Your Phone Away
There are two main reasons why using your phone while commuting is dangerous. First, phones are great sources of distraction. How many times have you caught yourself browsing through Instagram or Facebook on your phone instead of watching where you’re going? Or how about the times you wear earplugs and get lost to the music you’re listening to?
Hopefully, you have yet to walk smack into glass walls or doors or fall into a fountain or ditch just because you were too preoccupied with your phone. There are tons of videos of such people on the internet. They may be funny but you could really hurt yourself if you don’t pay attention.
Secondly, having your phones out make you a prime target of criminals. Avoid talking into your phone loudly. This will catch everyone’s attention, including robbers and pickpockets.
Be Inconspicuous
The gray man in prepper lingo is simply the idea of staying inconspicuous. Preppers know that standing out in public is an invitation to be mugged, pickpocketed, or worse, assaulted. Avoid taking out your expensive smartphone. If you have to answer or make a call, talk in a low voice. Don’t be too loud as this will only attract unwanted attention.
When it comes to clothing, it’s best to wear simple and neutral colored clothes. A well-fitting suit says a lot about your stature but you simply can’t help it as you have to wear one to work. What’s not right is wearing expensive jewelry and watches with your pretty suit.
Wearing sexy clothes doesn’t mean you’re telling people to harass or rape you. However, despite our freedom to wear anything we want, there’s always the sad truth that some people will take this the wrong way.
Be Careful Crossing the Street
Everyone should know this by heart. We’ve been taught since our younger years to look both left and right before crossing the street even if there’s a pedestrian crossing in front of you.
Don’t Be A Lone Wolf
Avoid standing or sitting alone away from the crown while waiting for the bus or train. In fact, you should avoid staying at the bus stop or train station too long. Find out what time your bus or train usually arrives. Some companies already have apps for this. Once you know their schedules, you can stay in a safer place, such as in the building next door, while waiting. Leave when your ride is near.
Sit Near the Driver
When you board a bus or train, take the vacant seat nearest the operator. You want to notify them immediately if something is up. The nearer you are to them, the better chances of them hearing you.
Be Wary of Supposed Do-Gooders
It’s sad that at this day and age, you can’t trust anyone. Even the person offering his or her help may have other things in mind. If someone you don’t know insists on helping you with something even after you politely declined, this may not be a good sign. If you experience this, find a way to get away from that person.
Everyday Carry (EDC)
Everyone should have everyday carry items. These are simply important items you take with you wherever you go. These essential items will help you in case of emergencies.
Phone
It’s quite obvious but you should never leave home without a way to contact your loved ones. Always have your phone with you, especially if you commute to and from work or school. Invest on a powerbank or extra battery so you don’t have to worry about your phone running out of juice.
You can also use your phone to make your commute a lot easier and safer. Install ride-sharing apps so you have an option other than buses, trains or cabs. Again, be wary of focusing too much on your phone.
Flashlight
A penlight or small LED flashlight, for example, will help light things up when you’re walking in the dark. Ideally, you should avoid any place that is not well lit. But if you have no other choice, a flashlight will do good. Also, wait for other people taking the same pathway before proceeding.
Your flashlight will also help you locate things in your bag easily, especially for the ladies. Admit it or not, most of you have back holes in your bags. Use a flashlight to help you find your keys or phone faster.
Paracord Grenade
Don’t be intimidated with the grenade part. It is simply a paracord made to look a grenade, which stores other survival tools. A paracord is the same nylon cord used in parachutes so you know they’re pretty sturdy. You can use it for different emergency situations such as tying the hands of the dude you caught pickpocketing passengers in the train.
Emergency Whistle and Signal Mirror
Use a whistle to scare away a would-be attacker. It can also call the attention of other people in case you have a medical emergency.
A signal mirror, meanwhile, does more than let you check your face. You can use it to send SOS or to start a fire.
Window Punch or Tactical Pen
In case your bus or train gets in an accident, you should be able to get out as soon as possible. If the exit is had to reach, you can break the glass with your window punch.
Tactical pen is a great EDC item to have. It’s an actual pen but made with strong materials that can break glasses. You can also use it to instill pain on your attacker. You should take lessons on how to wield a tactical pen properly when defending yourself.
Multi-tool
One of the most important travel safety tips that you must keep in mind is to be ready for anything. A multi-tool will help you do just that. It comes with different features you can use for different tasks that the occasion calls for.
Knife
In most states, it’s legal to carry a knife as long as its blade does not measure longer than three inches. While something that short looks less intimidating, a knife is still a knife.
Use it to scare away attackers, perverts and other unruly people. Be careful, however. If you don’t know how to use your knife, you may just end up hurting yourself. Get some training on how to properly use a knife to defend yourself.
Knives are not only great for self defense. You can use it for other tasks that require cutting and slicing.
Weapons
When asking the driver or other people for help is not an option, you should be able to defend yourself. If you feel that someone is secretly touching you inappropriately, speak up. In case this leads to a confrontation, be ready with your non-lethal self defense weapons.
A pepper spray will do wonders as long as you can reach for it easily and quickly once the need arises. You can also use a stun gun.
Other EDC Items
Don’t forget to always have money, credit card, and identification. Your IDs should also indicate any existing medical condition, your blood type, and the person to contact in case something happens to you. You should also keep a laminated list of numbers you can call, including that of the local police station.
Keep at least one thermal blanket in your bag. It will come in handy in emergency situations, especially during cold days. A mini first aid kit is a must-have for obvious reasons. If you have a medical condition, make sure you pack your medicines and other needs in your bag.
There are lots of other travel safety tips out there. If you know some that were not mentioned, feel free to share them in the comments section. You can also check out The Gentleman Pirate for more tips on how to stay safe on the road or anywhere else.
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