Holiday Travel Safety Tips Every Davisite Should Remember

Sadly, no place is 100% safe. Whether you’re outbound for the holidays or staying here in Davis, we want to make sure you greet the new year happy, healthy, and wealthy. It’s easy to get distracted by the hustle and bustle and excitement of the holiday season. To help keep you alert and on your toes, the UC Davis Police Department has some great safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always be alert to your surroundings. (We’ll freely admit, it drives us a little bonkers when we see walkers/joggers/bikers totally tuning out their surroundings with music in both ears.)
• Be aware of location and situation that will make you vulnerable to crime, such as alley and dark parking lots.
• Avoid people and situations that make you nervous – trust your instincts!
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• Walk confidently and at a steady pace, making eye contact with people when walking.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street – just continue walking.
• If you have a purse, carry it securely against you. Although a purse-snatcher’s intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may require you to give it up.
• Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Have your car keys in your hand so you don’t have to linger before entering your car.
• Check the back seat before entering your car.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and turn on your flashers. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask them to call law enforcement or a tow truck.
• Don’t stop to aid motorists on the side of the road. Go to a phone and request help for them.

For more great safety tips, please visit the UC Davis Police Department site.