No matter what your method of transportation, remember to be aware of your surroundings, whether you are being casually aware in safer environments or in a heightened state of awareness if in an environment that poses greater safety risks.

Pedestrian Safety

• Consider cycling over walking.  Women on bikes are hassled much less often than women walking and can get away from a dangerous situation faster than on foot.
• Carry some picture I.D. in case of emergency. Carry it separately from your keys and purse. Alternatively, carry a cell phone with the I.C.E (In Case of Emergency) programmed.
• Walk facing traffic and on busy streets whenever possible. Never walk too close to the curb for you may be pulled into a car or knocked down by the door.  If followed by a car or pedestrian, be alert and cross to the other side of the street.  If they are still following, take 3 right or left turns.  If they are still there, get to a phone and call the police.
• Only carry small loads.
• Be familiar with the streets in your neighbourhood.  Know alternate routes to get home.
• Know the locations of the local police stations.
• Avoid wearing headphones.
• Keep your keys in hand and ready as you approach your car and home.
• Be aware of potential hiding spots for attackers.
• Look for shadows or reflections in windows.
• Do not walk alone when under medication, drunk, or in an intense emotional state.
• Avoid walking alone at night. If you must, keep your head high and your eyes and ears open, focusing on your immediate environment. Be prepared to run, yell, and if necessary, defend yourself.
• If possible, stay in well-lit, busy areas. Avoid shortcuts after dark. (Note:  Don’t let crowds lull you into a false sense of security. If someone is harassing you, people in Japan may look the other way rather than help you.)
• Don’t expect residential streets to be safer than city streets.  They are often not as well lit.
• Be alert when using bank machines.  If possible, use them in daylight only.
• If there are two or more pursuers, never let them surround you. Always try to keep them to one side or in front.
• A lot of violators will approach you asking for directions and attack when you turn away to point out the street. You must always keep your eyes on the stranger and not get caught in their ploy. Stay alert.
• Personal alarms may seem useful but are expensive and often ineffective.  They can sound like an accidentally tripped car alarm.  They can also be taken and broken quickly.
• Do not hesitate to yell for help if confronted.  Yelling "Fire!" will get more attention than yelling help.

Driving

• Be alert near dark corners, other cars and other potential hiding places.
• If possible, approach your car so that you can see the sides and underneath of it.
• Always check your car before entering it.
• A small flashlight may be handy for quickly checking inside your car.
• Always lock your doors whether inside or outside your car, parked or driving, day or night.  Attackers have been notorious for jumping into your car when stopped, slow moving or turning a corner.
• Keep bags and packages in the trunk to avoid break-ins.
• Be aware of surroundings when getting into and out of the car. Attackers have been known to get in at the same time as their victims.
• Do not hitchhike, or give rides to hitchhikers.
• Alarm systems can be used to prevent attacks in and around cars.
• Avoid travelling alone.
• Keep the car in good working order.
• Have a working knowledge of basic auto repair.
• If your car breaks down on a highway and you don`t have a cell phone, don`t get out of your car. Simply turn on your hazard lights and wait for a patrolman. If someone pulls over to help you, roll your window down a crack and ask them to call the police for you at the next service station.
• If approached in a home garage, carefully leave the garage or go to where there are other people.
• You can use your horn to make noise.
• If someone is holding onto the car, speed up then slam on the brakes.
• If purposefully being hit or forced off the road by another car, do not get out of your car.  Proceed to a police station. Try to get the license plate number, make and model of car
• If you have a phone in your car, dial 9-1-1.
• Do not stop to help a disabled car.  If you wish, call a tow truck or the police for them instead.

Public Transit

• If  possible, go to bus stops with a companion for early morning and night time commuting.  If there is a safety concern, walk to where someone else is waiting.
• Do not sit at the back.
• A taxi at night is money well spent. Make note out of the driver's name and number out loud. If you have a cell phone, call someone and let them know you are on your way home.
• The bus driver may let you off between stops. Be sure to ask if you are concerned about getting off at your regular stop.

On Your Bike

• Steer clear of potential hiding places such as trees, bushes, rocks, and depressions.
• If possible, ride with an acquaintance.
• Do not stop to remove obstructions from your path. Avoid such obstacles altogether as they may have hidden threats. Even sand on tight corners has been used to take down cyclists.  Attackers have also been known to string up thin wire at face levels to unseat cyclists.
• Vary your route home.
• Use a bright bike light.

Elevators

• They are potentially dangerous if used at night, but they are safer to use than fireproof, soundproof, stairwells.
• Anyone can get on at any floor. If you feel nervous or uncomfortable when someone gets on, attempt to depart.
• If someone suspicious-looking is already on the elevator, pretend you forgot something and don't get on.
• If you happen to be on an elevator with a stranger or an acquaintance, position yourself beside the panel, note the alarm or emergency button and be ready to use it.
• If you think a rider might try something, push the alarm button, but make it look like and accident. The noise can easily change any attacker's mind. 
• Keep an eye on the co-rider using your peripheral vision.
• Keep your back against or close to the wall so that you cannot be slammed against it. This also prevents an attacker from getting behind you.

Lori O'Connell

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