Travelling tips for women

It has been said many times that GBV is out of control and that we cannot do enough to create awareness and encourage women, and for that matter, everyone else, to develop a safety mindset. Being constantly reminded about potential dangers when one travels from one point to another, is tiring – I acknowledge this, but I also believe that we need to be reminded, as this will eventually help to sharpen our awareness to a point where one becomes unconsciously conscious and ready to respond with confidence to an emergency situation.

Here are some pointers when traveling:

• Planning your route is as important as not driving the same route to the office, shopping and such every day.

• Sharing your different routes with a family member is equally important and if you travel longer distances, it is important to check in with a friend or family member. If something does happen, your last point of reference will help to get help to find and get support to you just so much quicker.

• Avoid obviously risky areas.

• Do everything you can to illuminate the possibility of getting lost. Google Maps, TomTom Go or AmiGO are excellent apps to get you to your destination safely.

• Ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged.

• Lock your doors and close your windows. Open windows are not safe and it also increases fuel consumption.

• Keep valuables out of sight and definitely locked in the boot.

• The days of offering a stranger a lift, are long gone – don’t!

• Be mindful of cars following and staying behind you, whether in the same lane as you or to the left/right. If any vehicle creates suspicion, phone a friend or family member and drives to the nearest police station.

• Do not get involved with or respond to the road rage from another driver. Turn off and take a different route, but ignore it at all costs.

• Do not, when someone flashes you or try to make you aware of something wrong with your car, pull over unless it is obvious you cannot drive your car. And even so, rather just slow down and get to a safer place before you stop to inspect and find the problem. If this becomes necessary, phone someone beforehand to meet you at the place where you plan to stop.

• Keep your doors locked at all times.

• Parking your car or getting to your car creates particularly vulnerable situations and demands your full attention. Even well lit and close to other activities and people, parking spots do not automatically qualify as “less risky”. Be present and if something does not look or feel right, respond accordingly.

One can never eliminate all the risks. Neither can you become a recluse, but your life and that of your family members are invaluable, so awareness about the possible risks and how to at least reduce them should always be on top of your mind.

Be safe – we appreciate you…