How to Protect Yourself on the Subway
The subway is a convenient way to travel in large cities. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be the setting for crimes such as pickpocketing and assault. Learn some easy ways to protect yourself from harm while on the subway.
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Instructions
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Avoid Physical Injury
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1
Wait for the subway train at a safe distance to avoid falling or being pushed onto the tracks. The station floor by the tracks is usually raised with grooves and is marked with a printed line to tell you where to stand.
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2
Avoid hurting yourself by sitting still once in the car. If you do not have a seat, stand firmly with your feet 12 to 15 inches apart, and hold onto one of the poles.
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3
Refrain from forcing the subway doors to open. You can risk getting your hands caught in the doors if they malfunction.
Lower Your Risk of Being Mugged
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4
Carry a purse that has a firm closure to reduce to risk of someone opening it when you are not looking. Instead of holding the purse by the strap or wrapping it around your wrist, hang the strap over one shoulder and across the front of your body diagonally. This can make it harder for a thief to get it away from you.
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Place your wallet in your front or jacket pocket rather than in your back pants pocket. A pickpocket can more easily slip a wallet out of a back pocket without anybody noticing it is gone until it's too late.
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6
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on the subway. If you have wedding or engagement rings with precious stones, turn them so that the gems are on the inside of your hand and not noticeable to the other passengers.
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Keep your MP3 player, cell phone or other electronic devices out of sight while you are on the subway. These items are often the object of theft on public transportation. The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) has recommended that owners of MP3 players use aftermarket headphones to make the devices less recognizable (see Resources below).
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Protect yourself at night by riding the subway with a friend, if possible. If you must be alone, ride in a car with other people in it to lessen the chances of being accosted. Ride in the front car so that the conductor can see you.
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Tips & Warnings
If someone tries to mug or assault you while you are on the subway or at the station, do not be afraid to let someone know. Yell loudly to get other people's attention during the transgression. Report the event to a station employee when you are able.
Protect yourself by having your car keys out and ready if you park your car at the subway station's parking lot. This is especially important at night when visibility is limited. Being prepared means you can get right into your car and drive away without giving an intruder time to attack.
