Personal Safety Tips

Compared to many countries, public transport in the UK is remarkably safe. Some 6 billion journeys are made by bus, coach, cab, tram or rail each year and incidents of crime against passengers are extremely rare. However, the perception of crime on public transport is much higher. This deters many people from using it, especially at night. Even when the actual transport part of the journey is considered relatively safe, the journey to and from the bus stop and the environment surrounding the station platform/bus stop may not be.

Therefore the aim of the National Personal Safety Day READY STEADY SAFE campaign is to give people the knowledge to be able to reduce the risks even further and increase their confidence in using public transport without disproportionate fear of becoming a victim of crime.

It’s important to remember that it takes three things for a violent incident to happen – a victim, a perpetrator and an opportunity. By taking a few common sense precautions we can reduce the ‘opportunities’ and therefore the risks to ourselves.

The READY STEADY SAFE campaign offers the following advice:

Travelling by Bus, Tram or Train

• Know where you are going and which stop you need. Check departure times, especially of last buses or trains.
• Try and have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so your purse or wallet is out of sight.
• If travelling at night or in an unfamiliar area, try and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or train station. Otherwise try to walk near other people with whom you feel safe, and walk purposefully to your destination.
• If possible, wait for a bus, tram or train in a well-lit place near other people.
• Carry extra money in case you get stranded and need to take another bus, train or cab.
• If you’re concerned about your safety on a bus, sit close to the driver
• On trains avoid compartments which have no access to corridors or other parts of the train. Try to sit with other people and avoid empty carriages
• If you feel uneasy, it makes sense to move to another seat or carriage or get off at the next stop if you know the area.
• If you feel threatened on public transport make as much noise as possible to attract attention of the driver or guard.

Taxis & Mini Cabs

• Always use a taxi or licensed minicab.
• Taxis (Hackney Carriages) can be hailed in the street. They look like purpose–built taxis or black cabs and have an illuminated taxi sign on the roof.
• Licensed minicabs cannot be hailed in the street. They must be pre-booked. The driver should have ID and the vehicle will have some sort of license displayed on it.
• Cars cruising the streets looking for customers are illegal, uninsured and potentially very dangerous.
• Carry the telephone number of a trusted, licensed company with you.
• If possible, book a taxi or minicab in advance. Ask for the driver’s name, as well as the make and colour of the car.
• Confirm the driver’s details when they arrive – is it the taxi or minicab you ordered?
• If you are ordering a cab from a public place, try not to let people overhear your name and address – anyone could pretend to be your cab.
• Always try to sit in the back of the car and if you chat to the driver, be careful not to give out any personal details.

If you feel threatened:

• Remember to trust your instincts – if you are at all worried ask the driver to stop in a busy area, and get out of the car.
• If the driver refuses to stop, use a mobile (if you have one) to call the police and alert other drivers and pedestrians by waving or calling out the window.

Walking to & from the bus stop/train station

• Think about the route and where you could go if you felt threatened. The best idea is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a garage or shop.
• Try to use well lit, busy streets and avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks.
• Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
• Try to keep both hands free and don’t walk with your hands in your pockets.
• Walk facing on coming traffic to avoid curb crawlers.
• Keep your mind on your surroundings – remember if you are wearing a personal stereo or chatting on your mobile phone, you will not hear trouble approaching.
• If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road turning and look to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area and tell people what is happening. If necessary, call the police.
• Never accept a lift with a stranger or someone you don’t know very well even if you are cold, tired or it’s very late.
• Consider carrying a Personal Safety alarm, which can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker giving you vital seconds to get away.