Get Informed.
Become Aware. Take Responsibility.
What
you need to know about using public transportation
Buses and trains
are very affordable and becoming more popular as many consider the use
of public transportation as a way to cut back on expenses. Although
this method of transportation can be affordable, more exposure to the
public puts us at greater risk for theft, assault and rape. By following
some basic tips, public transportation can be a safer experience.
Enter and exit a bus, train or subway car confidently and never appear
you do not know where to go.
Study the transportation maps and know your route information prior
to boarding so you do not advertise to others that you are not familiar
with the route or routine.
Never stand by the doorway of a bus, train or subway car. Exits are
where thieves prefer to place themselves to perform their act of theft.
During the commotion of exiting, a thief can easily grab your purse
or wallet before you ever realize it.
Never place your purse or backpack on the floor or in the seat next
to you where it can easily and rapidly be taken by a thief. Keep it
on your lap, strapped securely to your shoulder or firmly held against
your hip using your elbow.
Make sure your purse is always kept shut and secured with a closure
and any opening flaps placed next to your body. This will make it more
difficult for someone to reach into the purse to take a wallet without
you noticing or feeling the movement.
Do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself by what you wear. Dress
conservatively so you blend into a crowd and become unnoticeable. Do
not wear specialty clothing or shoes that will attract a perpetrator.
This not only tells a thief you have something worthy on the exterior
of your body, but your purse may be valuable as well.
Think twice about wearing expensive jewelry and trying to conceal that
expensive ring, watch or bracelet under clothing when you enter a bus
or train. Thieves can spot this type of behavior very easily and it
alerts them you have something of value to hide. Thieves are often experts
at reading body language and closely study people's behavior as part
of their unlawful occupation.
On public transportation, sit up straight, stay awake and be alert to
the people and their behavior around you. Do not become a victim of
a mugging because you let down your guard and sleep through your ride.
Pay attention to the bus and train stops so you do not miss your exit.
Do not return stares of others or allow yourself you get upset by comments
made by someone else. Aggressors often use this as a tactic to start
trouble and your negative reaction becomes their excuse to assault you.
Stay calm and try to ignore someone looking for trouble. Answer non-threatening
questions politely, and keep cool without projecting anger in your voice.
If the harassment continues, get off at the next stop unless you feel
the aggressor intends to follow you or move to a different car or seat.
Often the homeless or beggars prefer to use public transportation to
get out of the weather or have somewhere to sleep. They also use this
means of transportation to collect their daily finances by asking other
passengers for contributions. Ignore this behavior and never provide
a solicitor with money. Besides encouraging the continual behavior,
it lets others know you may be an easy target for something more serious
such as an attack or mugging.
When you depart a bus, train or subway, arrange for someone to pick
you up or park your vehicle close by the drop off area. Avoid walking
alone for any great distance from where you depart the public transportation.
Never let up your
guard when using public transportation. Stay awake, alert and aware
at all times to ensure your personal safety.
Be Safe!
Get Informed. Become Aware. Take Responsibility.
