Traveling Alone in America

After viewing this presentation, discussion centered upon what we should do in traveling alone.

For your safety, consider these tips:

· If a patrolman pulls you over, if you are suspicious, ask to have another to assist in responded to your location. A real patrolman will do so, a false-cop can not!

· If you have a cell, keep it handy, not in the trunk! If you DO NOT have a cell, carry a toy cell phone, a block of wood, anything resembling the real thing. In a threating situation, use the imitation cell and make your call! Predators in nature avoid butterflies, fish, etc, which looks like other objects, humans are no different and may be similarly fooled!

· DO NOT pickup hitchhikers, or even someone you may just "feel sorry for", it is not worth the effort of kindness on your part if they turn out to be your worst nightmare!

· DO NOT take rides! See tip above, the tables are turned dramatically in their favor!

· Remove nametags, tourist ids, etc. You are an easy target, advertising yourself!

· Use your Business Address on travel baggage, etc. Do not have names or other id visible on clothing, backpacks, etc.

· As a passerby, offer to relay help from police to distressed traveler. If the tables are turned, ask for police help from a passerby!

· Never EVER shut off transportation to talk / help a stranger. In a panic, an instant, you may need to move rapidly if danger presents itself!

· Leave space between vehicles to leave room for an escape, see previous tip!

· Keep valuables out of site!

· Keep gasoline level above half, full if possible - don't leave home without it!

· Develop a buddy system, go with others if possible. Even alone, stay with another group of people going in your direction, do not travel by yourself!

· Keep your vehicle keys in your hand, in a fist, ready to insert into door lock, or into an assailant! Do not delay your entry into your vehicle, even for a moment!

· Lock all doors, ALWAYS!

· Push driver seat forward to expose rear seat area, a visible clue to whether your vehicle was tampered with before you attempt entry! Also, you may be able to see an intruder in the back seat if seat left forward. DO NOT do this in a parking garage, you need to get in and out as quick as possible in that situation.

· Check times with someone who expects you on the other end, know when and where help will be. Two hours is too long!

· Have hospitality services perform a security check for you before using your room. For example, check under the bed, behind curtains, shower area and walk-in closet area for any hidden intruders in your room.

· Verify security personnel at door, see their ID, do not just let them in because they say they are with the staff!

· Take a traveling door alarm or security feature into the hotel / motel room.

· Have your rented vehicle look like anyone else's, no identifying company markings, they set you up as a target!

· Always know the last exit and distance you are at all times.

· Do not raise the hood, it advertises you as a target.

· If stranded, do not roll window down more than one(1) inch.

· If feeling in danger after an accident, LEAVE!! Do not fear "leaving the scene of an accident!". Find help at the nearest "actively populated" area, police station.

· BEWARE - if traveling alone, woman, older citizen - you may be an unsuspecting victim of a narcotic smuggling scheme! Criminals do not care if you're vacationing!

TravelingAloneAmerica.doc