Safety when using transport

Trains:

- find out the times of the train you want so you do not have to wait too long and you know when the last train is running – train schedules can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk

- if you are waiting on a platform, wait near the ticket office or in a brightly lit area

- if you can, sit in a busy carriage – it is safer where there are more people

- if someone bothers you, get up and move away.

Buses:

- find out the times of the bus you want so you do not have to wait too long

- you can get live information about bus arrival times at www.countdown.tfl.gov.uk

- if you can, sit near the driver

- tell the driver if someone is bothering you

Taxis:

- if making your journey by minicab or taxi, always book your journey through a licensed operator; text CAB to 60835 to get local licensed minicab and taxi telephone numbers sent to your phone from CABWISE

- ask for the driver’s name and the make and color of car that will come

- when the taxi arrives, ask for the driver’s name and the name of the taxi company

- do not get into a taxi that just stops in the street

- if you can, it is better to sit in the seat behind the driver

- have your door key ready to get into your house quickly

- ask the taxi driver to wait outside until you get into your house.

Cars

Maintenance:

- make sure that your car is kept in good running order – do not put yourself at risk by running out of oil, petrol or water

- take the time to learn the basics of car maintenance and have your car serviced by a reputable garage

- consider joining a breakdown organisation as added security, and remember to take the details with you

Driving:

- plan your journey carefully – know what route you are taking and let other people know where you are going and when you hope to arrive

- keep a map in the car, so you don’t have to stop and ask for directions

- take enough money with you for emergency phone calls or consider using a phone card

- never pick up hitchhikers

- never leave your keys in the ignition whilst you are out of the car for any reason

- if you feel threatened, make a note of the type of car and its registration number

- if you break down on a motorway, it is safer to wait for assistance outside your vehicle, standing on the verge or behind the crash barrier; take your keys with you and lock all doors except the one nearest to you, which you can leave wide open so that you can get in quickly if you need to

- if you think someone is following you, keep driving till you come to a busy location such as a garage or motorway services; if you are really worried, drive straight to the nearest police station

Parking your car:

- avoid using poorly lit car parks; whenever possible, park as close as you can to the attendant if there is one

- reverse into the space and hide all valuables

- shut all windows and lock all doors; note the location of where you have parked your car

- when returning to your car, have your keys ready so that you can get in quickly

- before entering, scan the back seat to check no-one has climbed in

- once you are in the car, lock the doors immediately