Practical tips for staying safe on the move.
Movement, whether by vehicle or on foot is by far the most vulnerable activity you will undertake when traveling. In developing countries or post conflict environments it is usually not advisable to move around on foot, however if it cannot be avoided, there are some basic precautions you can employ to reduce your exposure to risk.
Be particularly alert when arriving at or departing routine places, such as your hotel, offices, restaurants or isolated areas like car-parks. Try to vary your routine during your stay and avoid being time or place predictable. If practical you should also vary your routes too and from these locations, but stick to busy streets and stay away from poorly lit or isolated areas. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
Do not discuss your work in public where you might be overheard and avoid using mobile phones or other technology while you are moving around. Remain alert to what is going on around you at all times and be suspicious of any unsolicited encounters or approaches from people you don’t know. Avoid commotions, large gatherings or groups of people loitering in the street. If you think you are being followed cross the road, retrace your steps or enter a shop. Mentally rehearsing your response to critical situations is a good habit to adopt, even for routine movements.
While moving by vehicle is a safer option, there are still risks associated with this mode of travel. However, there are some similar precautions you can apply to reduce these risks. Firstly, the same rules apply with regards to varying your routes and not being time or place predictable. Don’t advise your driver of your plans and timings in advance and never wait on the street for a pickup. Plan your route before you go and know roughly where you are at all times. This should include an awareness of key landmarks and the location of your nearest safe haven.
Once you enter the vehicle, ensure the doors are locked, windows closed and your seatbelt is firmly fastened. Avoid the common mistake of being distracted by technology during travel, maintain a heightened level of awareness, provide direction to the driver as necessary and remember you are in charge. When arriving at your destination ask the driver to drop you as close as possible to the entrance and always get in or out of the vehicle on the non traffic side.
Arriving and departing routine locations is where incidents commonly occur so dial up your awareness and trust your intuition. Don’t forget that you are ultimately responsible for your personal safety and security. Nobody will be there to enforce these simple measures when you are traveling, and it is you who will ultimately pay the price for ignoring them.
Stay safe.
