Commute & Transportation Safety

A structured guide to safer commuting by car, bus, train, rideshare, or walking.

Commute & Transportation Safety

Car commuting

Options to increase safety when driving to work, school, or other regular locations.

• Parking choices:
  • Choose well-lit, visible areas when possible.
  • Park near exits or main doors instead of isolated corners.
  • Use different parking spots or lots on different days if that feels safer.
• Vehicle access:
  • Decide who has keys or remote access to your car.
  • Consider changing locks or key fobs if someone has copies you no longer want them to have.
  • Keep a spare key in a place that feels safe and not easily found.
• Before getting in:
  • Look into the back seat and floor area before entering.
  • Notice any signs of tampering with doors, tires, or windows.
  • Have keys or key fob in hand before reaching the car.
• While driving:
  • Keep doors locked and windows mostly up in unfamiliar areas.
  • Plan routes that avoid isolated areas when possible.
  • Avoid sharing live location or commute details on social media.
  • Consider turning off location sharing in apps if someone is tracking you.
• Documentation and supplies:
  • Keep photocopies of registration and insurance in a safe place at home.
  • Store basic items in your car (water, small amount of cash, phone charger, list of key phone numbers).
  • Decide if you want to keep a change of clothes or work shoes in the trunk.

Public transit

Options to adjust bus, train, or tram use if you are concerned about being followed or monitored.

• Route and schedule choices:
  • Vary the time and route you take when you can.
  • Note alternative lines or transfers that still get you where you need to go.
  • Identify stops that are better lit or more populated.
• At stops and stations:
  • Wait near other riders or staff when possible.
  • Notice common areas with cameras or help points.
  • Have your fare or card ready so you can move through entry points quickly.
• On board:
  • Sit near the driver, conductor, or near other passengers if that feels safer.
  • Avoid sharing your regular route or stop with people you do not know well.
  • If someone you are avoiding boards, consider changing cars or getting off at a busy stop and re-routing.
• Information sharing:
  • Decide whether to share your transit card account, app login, or trip history with anyone.
  • Review app settings that show your saved home or work locations.
  • Consider using generic labels in apps instead of “Home” or “Work.”
• Planning support:
  • Save transit schedules, route maps, and ride times in your phone or on paper.
  • Identify any transit staff desks or customer service numbers that might be helpful if you need to adjust routes quickly.
  • Additional transit-related safety ideas are sometimes listed through transportation and community resources linked at https://www.dv.support.

Ride-share safety

Options when using taxis or app-based ride services.

• Booking the ride:
  • Use your own account and email when possible.
  • Avoid sharing screenshots of your ride details with someone you do not want tracking your movements.
  • Consider entering a nearby public location instead of your exact home address as a pickup or drop-off point.
• Before getting in:
  • Confirm the car make, model, and plate matches the app.
  • Ask the driver “Who are you picking up?” instead of saying your name first.
  • Check for any passengers who are not shown in the app.
• During the ride:
  • Share your trip status with a trusted contact if that feels useful.
  • Sit in the back seat and keep your bag with you.
  • Use in-app tools (if available) to report route changes or concerns.
• Account and history:
  • Review your ride history and delete sensitive locations if the app allows.
  • Decide if you want to use cash, prepaid cards, or gift cards instead of shared payment methods.
  • Check whether someone else has login access to your ride-share account.
• Driver information:
  • Take a quick screenshot of the driver profile and plate if you may need it later.
  • Note any unusual route changes or stops.
  • After the ride, consider updating your “home” and “work” locations in the app if they have changed.

Walking routes

Options for getting around on foot to reduce predictable patterns and increase awareness.

• Route planning:
  • Identify at least two or three different walking routes to common destinations.
  • Prefer routes with steady foot traffic and businesses open during your travel time.
  • Note places along the route where you could safely step inside (shop, lobby, reception area).
• Timing:
  • Vary departure and return times when that is realistic.
  • Consider weather and daylight when choosing which route to use.
  • Plan extra time in case you want to change course.
• Devices and visibility:
  • Keep your phone charged and accessible, not buried at the bottom of a bag.
  • Decide if you want to use headphones; lower volume can make it easier to stay aware of surroundings.
  • Use simple, comfortable clothing and footwear that make it easy to move quickly if needed.
• Landmarks and check-in options:
  • Choose a few landmarks where you can do quick check-ins by text or message if you use check-ins.
  • Keep a short list of nearby contacts or locations along your usual routes.
  • Note any staffed locations (security desks, front offices) along the way.
• Information control:
  • Avoid posting real-time walking routes or locations on social media.
  • Review which apps save your route history and adjust location settings if that is a concern.
  • Consider not giving out your regular walking schedule to casual acquaintances.

Backup plans

Options if your usual way of getting around becomes unsafe, blocked, or unreliable.

• Alternative routes and modes:
  • List at least one alternate way to get to work, school, or childcare (different road, transit line, or walking path).
  • Identify backup transportation such as bike routes, carpools, or different transit stops.
  • Note any park-and-ride lots, public parking, or central hubs you could use if needed.
• Contacts and support:
  • Identify a few people you could call for a ride on short notice.
  • Agree in advance on simple phrases or codes that mean “I need a ride” or “Plans changed.”
  • Keep important phone numbers written down in case your phone is unavailable.
• Supplies and documents:
  • Keep a small amount of cash or a transit card in a secure place separate from your wallet.
  • Store copies of key documents (ID, work pass, transit card numbers) somewhere safe.
  • Consider a small “go” pouch with essentials you could grab quickly: keys, card or cash, medication, and basic contact list.
• Communication if plans change:
  • Decide who, if anyone, gets notified when you change your route or transportation method.
  • Plan simple messages you can send quickly if you need to say you are delayed or rerouting.
  • Think about what explanation feels safe to share with someone who may question sudden changes.
• Work, school, and childcare arrangements:
  • Ask workplaces or schools what options exist if you need flexible arrival times.
  • Check if there are policies for updating who is allowed to pick up children and how those changes are documented.
  • Note which offices (HR, school admin, building security) you could speak with about adjusting access or arrival points.

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Digital Privacy and Device Safety
• Gathering Evidence
• Children & School Notifications
• Workplace Safety Planning