This section provides you with advice when you are outdoors either walking, driving, or using taxis or buses and trains. Follow these simple tips to be safe where-ever you are - on your way home or in a town centre.
Safe Walking
Do plan your journey so that you keep to main streets and avoid short-cuts or parks, alleys or car parks. Walk on the side of the road which faces oncoming traffic. At night keep to well-let busy roads. Should you hear someone walking behind you, turn round and look at who it is before they reach you. If you feel you are being followed, cross the street to check. If you are still concerned, find a public place like a petrol station and alert a member of staff.
Some simple tips:
Buy and carry a personal alarm at all times.
Be aware of who and what is going on around you.
Carry your bag close to you with the opening facing inwards. If someone grabs your bag, let it go.
If a vehicle pulls up next to you or the driver asks you something, keep a distance away from the vehicle. Don't accept any offers for a lift. If threatened, leave immediately and take the details of the vehicle (make, colour, number plate), and contact the police.
Safe Driving
Some simple tips:
Carry small change or a mobile phone in case you need to make a phone call.
Don’t stop if someone is trying to flag you down for help. Keep driving until you get to the next public place and then help them by informing the police. This way you don’t put yourself at risk.
If you think you are being followed go straight to a police station or 24 hour garage to ask for help. Don't drive home.
If a vehicle pulls up in front of you and causes you to stop, stay calm and don’t turn off your engine. If the driver leaves his vehicle and approaches you, reverse as far as possible. Put your hazard lights on and continuously sound your horn.
If you break down, put your hazard warning lights on. When telephoning for help, let the police or the breakdown recovery staff know if you are alone. While waiting sit in the front passenger seat and lock the doors. On a motorway it is safer to sit away from your car on the embankment, leaving the passenger door open.
Safe Taxis
Some simple tips:
When booking a mini-cab or private hire car firm do so by phone or in their office and be sure it is a reputable one.
When on the street make sure the car is licensed - "Hackney Carriage".
When you are arrive at your destination ask the driver to wait until you are inside the building.
Safe Buses and Trains
Some simple tips:
Buses: find a busy area to wait at a stop; always use the lower deck of the bus.
Trains and the tube: sit in a busy carriage near the exit of your destination.
Arriving at your destination: leave the building by the main escalator and walkway. Ask a friend to meet you especially at night.
Travellling around: hold your bag close to you with the opening facing inwards; don’t expose any expensive looking jewellery.
