safety outside the home

I have  been commuting for more than 10 years to get to work via a public transportation. Commuting can be fun but exhausting, and it's also risky. I have heard in the news a lot on holdup while walking or waiting for a ride,robbery while on board,etc.I'm glad I've managed to be safe and did not experience any danger in public.

Here are some commuting safety tips.

PROJECT CONFIDENCE

Criminals always look for those who look like easy prey. Especially when you're from the rural areas and working in the city, the criminals love the innocence and being naive of the "promdi"(somebody who lives in the province/suburbs). If you're walking alone, don't look down like a shy girl. Keep your head up and back straight, and tell yourself that you are strong.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

We are gifted with this instinct that tells us what possibly will happen, whether good of bad. In this case, no matter how confident you are while walking or inside a public ride, if your gut feel tells you that "something" is not good, then walk away from the area or get the vehicle. It's better safe than sorry. If you feel that someone has been walking behind you for a while, or been staring at you for a time, then do what you gotta do.

BE ALERT

Just like your instincts, be a little paranoid. If you feel that people in that are are suspicious, then avoid them and alter your route. Most victims who were violated  are common riders or by-passers in the area of the crime. Criminals familiarize themselves with these victims. Look for an alternate route to get to work or to a bus station.

STAY PLAIN & SIMPLE

We love to be beautiful even when travelling, right? We want to be fashionable even on or way to work, but we can do this by not wearing our expensive jewelry in public. You can have some fancy sets and wear them while on the road, then change to your precious jewelry inside the office. Do not dress extravagantly while commuting, this will attract criminals, just like your flashy jewelry. Criminals nowadays know what's fake and genuine. Avoid wearing skimpy or short dresses, they too attract the vultures.  Wear your bag over your shoulder with the opening or flap facing your body. When buying something or paying for the ride, do not flash huge amounts of money, better to have a cute purse with coins for the ride fare.

AVOID DARK ALLEYS

When walking going to or from work, avoid dimly lit spots especially underground passage. Criminals love the dark and use it as a cover for their illegal activities. Walk in areas where there are more people, so you can ask help in case you're assaulted or robbed. If ever, try to go home early, or have somebody accompany you.

WAIT FOR OTHER PASSENGERS

We always want to get the first or best seat when taking a ride, but that may centuries ago. If the public ride is empty, do not jump in right away, most cases of robbery or assault are committed by drivers who have accomplices along the road. Avoid riding taxi cabs especially at night, if possible make sure you are with someone(preferably a male). If taking a cab is unavoidable, be sure when you hop in, you take the cab plate number right away and the telephone numbers written at the door side, then call or text someone or your family and give them the details, or ask them to wait for you at the gate in minutes.

HAVE YOUR FARE READY

Since you're commuting daily, you already know how much your daily fare is. So have your coin purse ready and if possible, prepare exact amount of money so you won't have to take out huge amount of money when buying your ticket or paying the bus conductor. Put your coin purse or coins in your pant/jacket pockets or bag pockets so you don't have to open your big bag. Criminals scope out the contents of the bag when passengers open them.

LEARN HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF.

Assess the situation carefully before making any move. It doesn't mean if you know a little self-defense technique or a little martial arts, you can fight back your assailant, especially if he is carrying a deadly weapon. Most victims  were badly hurt ( or sometimes died) because they fought back, or refused to give what the attackers are asking them. If you can no longer get away from the situation and the attackers were asking your stuff -jewelry,wallet,cellphone, or worst your bag, just give them what they want. YOUR LIFE IS MUCH IMPORTANT THAN THESE ITEMS.

HIT THE VITAL PARTS

Hit the vital parts, if you really have to fight back,especially if you see that he is unarmed. Know that their vulnerable parts are their groin,throat and eyes. You can also grab your attacker's hair to pull the head away from you, or you can also bite him ( though, it's a little eeew). You can also use some items in your bag to  hurt your attacker-your keys,umbrella,ball pen,sprays and your precious expensive high heels, hit your attacker on the head when he gets near.

Take care!

photos: dreamstime