Travel Safety - How To Take A Fearless Ride By Bus, Train Or Taxi

Follow these travel safety tips to help you feel more confident the next time you use ground transportation on a bus, train, subway or taxi. They should be practiced daily if you use public transportation to and from work or especially during travel in unfamiliar towns and cities when on vacation.

On the Bus…

- Use a bus stop you know is usually busy and is well lit.

- Know the departure and arrival times and try and let someone at the end of your route know which bus you plan to catch. They should always meet you at your stop.

- Sit close to the driver. If someone starts up a conversation, be pleasant and confident, but never give away personal information like where you live or work.

By Train or Subway…

- Wait on a well- lit section of the platform, close to the exit or where there are other people around. Many stations now have security cameras and staff who are trained to deal with emergencies.

- When you get on the train, try to sit in a busy compartment and keep bags and personal possessions right next to you or under your legs.

- If you feel uncomfortable, switch seats or even consider getting off the train and taking the next one. Only do this if the station where you are getting off is manned and busy.

- Know where the emergency button or cord is situated and the help points in a station.

Taking a Taxi…

- Carry the phone number of a taxi or shuttle company you know. When you need to book a cab, ask the company for the taxi drivers name and the type of car they will be driving.

- Try and book the taxi you will need to go home with, before you go out on the town. When a driver arrives, make sure they know the name it was booked under. If you have to book your taxi in a public place, do it quietly where people are less likely to overhear your name and address.

- If you can, share a taxi with a friend (always remember, safety in numbers) and have your money and keys ready at the end of your trip so you can enter your home quickly.

- If you ever feel uneasy in a taxi ask the driver to stop in a busy place you know well and get out.

And remember these Diva Defense tips wherever you go…

- Never flash money when in public or traveling.

- Ladies...keep your rings turned in with the stones on the inside of your hand. Turn them back around when you get to work, home or your destination. If at all, keep jewelry home when you travel.

- Always...always...always walk with confidence and look like you know where you’re going – even when you’re lost. If a stranger asks to help you, tell them "No thanks, I’m just fine." If you need directions, go into a convenience store or busy shopping area where you can ask someone there to help you.

Being aware of your travel safety right along with your travel plans gives you piece-of-mind during your trip. Whether you’re en route back home from work or enjoying a relaxing vacation getaway, don’t relax in your personal safety and give a criminal any chance to make you their next target.