I am definitely a night person, with the sun in the afternoon and the traffic on the road, it just isn’t my thing being out during the day. By the way, all the fun activities I like to do happens at night – I know what you’re probably thinking, get your mind out of the gutter. Or is it mine that’s in there?
On my many nights out I’m usually with a couple of my girlfriends because it’s just fun that way. However, I sometimes like to go out alone to meet new people (this is honestly the best way to make new friends), grab dinner and spend some time with myself, or attend events I couldn’t bribe my way into getting a plus one, and that’s why these safety tips are so important.
You want to be security conscious at all times, especially as a woman. There is a lot of crazy going on in the world right now and it’s your duty to keep yourself safe and always protect yourself. I decided to write this article after I had several conversations with my friends on their experiences on a solo night out, so I will be sharing some important tips:
Safety Tip 1 – Always Lock Your Car Door In Traffic:
This sounds like a no-brainer but a lot of people tend to forget this simple safety tip or expect the driver to lock the doors once they get in an Uber. Personally, I double-check once I get in and at intervals during the trip to make sure the doors are locked at all times. You do not want some random person opening your door in traffic. Now, that’s crazy.
Safety Tip 2 – Share Your Location:
I do this ALL the time, whether I have been to that particular location a million times or it’s my first time going there, I always share my live location with my girlfriends, or family. There are so many cases where people go missing and their family have no idea where to start looking for them. Trust me, you’ll feel at ease knowing that someone you trust knows your location.
Safety Tip 3 – Never Give Too Much Information In A Cab:
I heard this story once involving a girl who took a cab and started discussing on the phone an amount of money she had gotten from a male friend. The driver, a self-righteous man, overheard her conversation and started calling her a prostitute and all sorts.
Thankfully nothing insane happened, but we all know that some people have not been so lucky. Try not to divulge private information like your address or financial information when you’re in a taxi or a bus.
Safety Tip 4 – Make Sure The Car Details Match The Information On The Application:
I personally have had experiences where I’ve waited for Uber or Bolt drivers for what seemed like forever, then when they do show up, it’s in a different car than what is shown on the app, or the plate numbers don’t match. The standard excuse ranges from “that car is at the mechanic, this is my second car” “look at the picture of the car, it’s my own” or “it’s my brother’s car, I’m helping him” and many more. I do not take the chance and you shouldn’t as well.
If a situation arises where you need to register an offense with the cab company, they might not be able to sort it out because the driver is not registered with them or the car is not. No matter how in a hurry you might be, please cancel the ride and order another one.
Safety Tip 5 – Have A Weapon Of Choice:
I don’t mean carry a sword or a gun, a pocket knife or pepper spray are good options. They are easy to carry in a purse and can be concealed. You want to be able to protect yourself if absolutely necessary.
Safety Tip 6 – Know Your Destination:
Thank God for technology. We no longer have to memorize directions or ask everyone on the road for help, gone are those days. Before you set out on your trip, be sure to have an idea of where you are going. If you are going to see a friend or meet up with someone, let them know to have their phone on them, in case you happen to get lost and need to urgently call.
People may provide false information to you and direct you to a dangerous location.
Safety Tip 7 – Do Not Succumb To Fear:
If you are ever in a dangerous situation, it may be easier said than done, but try not to give in to the fear. You need to be completely in control of yourself to assess your environment and come up with a solid plan. Practice breathing exercises to calm yourself.
Safety Tip 8 – Always Be Aware:
We have all been guilty of this at one point or another; trying to take naps on the way to an event, catch a little sleep. We can all agree that it is not the smartest decision especially if you are not trying to wake up in another state. If you are feeling sleepy, try playing some music to keep you up, play a game, chew gum, anything that will help keep you awake.
Safety Tip 9 – Download Safety Applications:
There are a lot of safety apps available to download. Bsafe, Eyewatch SOS for women and many others are available on the App store and Google Play for Apple and Android users. The features of these applications vary, for example, some of these safety apps can record the audio and video of your surrounding and send it to your registered contacts. You’re also able to send alert messages and your precise location to pre-registered contacts when activated.
Research to find out what app works best for you.
Safety Tip 10 – Drink In Moderation And Always Watch Your Drink:
On a typical night out with the girls, everybody has their designated job. There is always the sober friend whose duty is to make sure everyone is safe, you usually ask them to watch your drinks or they just know to do this.
However on a solo night, you are on your own so be mindful of your limit when drinking and never leave your drink unattended. If you have to go to the bathroom, get another drink when you get back.
These tips have been super helpful to me and my friends and I’m hoping they will be useful to you as well!
