When using transport services, it is important to have these safety tips in mind
1. Look for an official badge or permit
A legitimate driver will have a badge displayed, so take a quick look around before you get in and feel free not to get in if you don’t see one. When you do spot a badge, check out the picture and be sure it looks like your driver.
2. Stay awake and alert at all times
You may be tempted to read a book, check your messages, or take a quick nap but that’s the perfect way to have your wallet, camera, backpack and other stuff stolen. Plus, you could end up in a strange place at the end of the bus line with no way to get back if you sleep too long!
Stay awake and alert no matter how tired you are. This is true when you’re in a taxi as well – your driver could be just as dangerous as a common criminal.
3. Keep close control over your bags and packages
Just like at the airport, it’s essential to keep close control over your bags and packages if you are to keep them in your possession. This is especially important if you have several bags or packages, or if everyone on the bus or train has similar bags. It’s easy for a thief to switch out an empty one that looks just like yours when all the bags come from the same retailer.
Bunch your bags between your feet or close on the seat beside you when you’re sitting, and keep hold of them when you’re standing.
4. Know where you are going
It’s an easy trap to fall into: you tell the driver where you are going and he or she takes you there, but the driver isn’t responsible for you and could even have their own malicious agenda in mind.
Knowing where you are going by having a map and paying attention to the route will help you protect yourself.
5. Be wary of sharing
Sharing a cab is a common way to save a little money, but sharing a cab with a stranger can leave you in a bad spot. It’s a common scam in some places: you share a cab with a person who leaves behind a little contraband. Soon after, a fake cop stops your taxi and the stuff is discovered. You may be searched, arrested, robbed or even taken to a fake police station where your identification is swiped and sold over the Internet.
Sharing a cab is fine with friend, but not with strangers, no matter how kind they are.
6. Know how to call for emergency help
You could share your details with a loved one or take pepper spray in any rape incident or funny behaviours.