The darkness of night can cast an unwelcoming shadow over your journey home. As a woman, whether walking, taking public transportation, or driving alone, traveling after dark presents potential risks that don’t exist during daylight hours.
However, with some simple precautions and planning, you can significantly increase your safety. This will provide you with peace of mind for nights when work or other commitments keep you out late.
In this article, we’ll look at some efficient ways to navigate your return trip after the sun sets.
Arrange Your Travel and Safeguard Your Belongings
It’s a good idea to get familiar with the route to your destination before traveling. You don’t need every single turn memorized. However, having a general sense of direction prevents surprises and allows you to check that the driver is following the expected path. Technology can help with this – use map applications to trace the route in advance.
Just as importantly, keep track of your belongings closely. Store larger luggage in the trunk or cargo area where it can’t be easily accessed. For smaller but valuable items like phones, wallets, and passports, keep them in your person instead of in open bags. Flashing expensive gear draws unnecessary attention and could lead to theft.
As one traveler learned the hard way while solo traveling in Italy, heavy suitcases made boarding the bus difficult and time-consuming. In the focus on getting luggage situated on the bus, the traveler neglected to watch their backpack sitting on the seat.
Unfortunately, a group of pickpockets noticed the opportunity and started rummaging through the unwatched bag. Thankfully, an observant local intervened and scared the thieves away before much was stolen. It served as an eye-opening lesson that luggage handling distractions can enable theft if vigilance over other possessions falters.
Be Aware of Your Drinks
As you head home after a night out, whether from a party, bar, or event, it’s crucial to stay vigilant. While it’s easy to let your guard down and enjoy yourself, some individuals may exploit these situations. Leaving your drink unattended can create an opportunity for someone to tamper with it, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Reports of women being drugged at bars have unfortunately increased.
In fact, an interesting study revealed that 44% of men and 56% of women surveyed unknowingly consumed tainted food or drinks. Additionally, American Addiction Centers also says that 37% of those surveyed experienced this on multiple occasions.
To protect yourself, make it a habit to take your drink with you whenever you need to step away, even for a moment. While it may be more expensive to continually buy new drinks, your safety and peace of mind are priceless. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers; if someone offers to buy you a drink, ensure you observe it being prepared by the bartender.
Even in gatherings with trusted friends or family, remain aware of your beverage. Consider carrying a water bottle, as it’s much harder for someone to secretly contaminate. Staying hydrated and in control of what you consume can help ensure that your night out remains enjoyable and worry-free.
Prioritizing Safety with Women Behind the Wheel
When returning home after dark, consider opting for transportation services that emphasize passenger safety, particularly those offering female drivers. Many modern ride-hailing platforms now provide the option to request women chauffeurs, adding an extra measure of security to your journey.
Traveling with a female driver can often create a more comfortable environment, especially for solo passengers. Always verify that the vehicle details match those provided by your chosen service. Additionally, don’t hesitate to confirm the driver’s identity before entering the car.
One traveler, Isobel recounted an incident in Bali where a male taxi driver took her phone under the guise of using it for navigation. She told Mamamia that upon exiting the vehicle, she and her friends realized the phone had been stolen. The driver then demanded payment for its return, turning a routine ride into an unsettling tourist trap.
Unfortunately, stories like Isobel’s are becoming increasingly common, not just in traditional taxis but also in ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. While these platforms offer convenience, they’ve also raised concerns about passenger safety.
Over the years, reports of harassment and misconduct by drivers have increased, leading to mounting scrutiny of how these companies manage rider security. More disturbingly, a growing number of women have reported incidents of sexual assault, sparking legal action against these ride-hailing giants.
Plaintiffs allege in the lawsuits, including the Uber sexual assault lawsuit, that inadequate safety protocols resulted in numerous incidents of sexual misconduct.
TorHoerman Law disclosed over 10,000 cases of sexual assault reports were filed from 2017-2020. This highlights the importance of passenger vigilance.
Listen to Your Intuition
Above all, develop the ability to trust your intuition. There is typically a good reason why a scenario makes you uncomfortable. The conscious mind may not be able to express small signs that something is wrong, but our intuition frequently detects them.
Unfortunately, social conditioning can lead some, especially women, to second-guess or dismiss their instincts to avoid seeming rude, hysterical, or oversensitive. In reality, prioritizing safety should never be seen as a character flaw.
Wherever you are, follow your intuition without hesitation. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation right away without worrying what others may think. You cannot go wrong by listening to that still, small voice within.
FAQs
What is the risk of traveling at night?
A: The danger of accidents and weariness is increased when driving or traveling at night. Since our bodies are designed to sleep at night, driving can be risky when fatigued. When driving at night, it’s critical to take frequent rests to maintain alertness. More than one person driving can help distribute the workload and reduce risk.
How many lawsuits does Uber face regarding passenger safety?
A: As of late 2024, over 1,300 pending lawsuits had been organized against Uber through a multi-district litigation. The lawsuits allege that Uber failed to implement sufficient safety measures to protect passengers. As a result of these lapses, some plaintiffs experienced sexual assault or harassment.
Do men or women generally feel safer at night?
A: Research has found that men generally feel safer walking alone at night compared to women. One study from the US found that 85% of men reported feeling safe at night versus only 64% of women. Behavioral data also suggests women take more precautions at night due to greater perceived risk.
While modern technologies and transportation options have made travel more convenient than ever, protecting your safety after dark requires vigilance. You enhance your safety by thoughtfully planning routes, securing your belongings, safeguarding your drinks, and choosing gender-preferred drivers when possible.
Always listen to your intuition. This gives you the best chance of arriving home peacefully. Remember – your safety and peace of mind should be the top priority. With awareness and precautions, you can travel with greater confidence, even under the cover of night.
