November , 2000

Travel Safety: Personal Security

Michael A. Hodge, J.D.
www.SecLiabConsult.com

Whether traveling for business or otherwise, the primary goal is to get from point A to B and back in a safe and harmless manner.  This is possible when travel plans involve attention to the concept of   “ personal security.”  Hence, the following are some common areas that occasional and frequent travelers may find useful.

Airports

Travelers should take great care in securing all personal luggage .  Extreme valuables or business materials that will allow you to accomplish your primary mission should be stored as carry-on luggage and placed in over head bins. 

While no one wish to indict any member of the airport industry, there has been incidents of theft by airport personnel regarding checked luggage.  Therefore, checked luggage should always be secured by padlock, this would include all compartments of the travel bags.  Locked luggage not only prevents potential theft, it prevents the introduction of items that yourself has not packed.  This is especially critical when traveling abroad.

Cabs

The use of cabs can sometimes be an interesting experience.  There are recorded incidents of cab drivers that either rob ; or worst, assaults the people they are to transport.  While this practice is common in foreign countries, it does occur in urban cities as well. 

If possible, travelers should travel in a group.  If so, members of the group should immediately occupy the cab while one member stand at the trunk area to ensure that all luggage is safely placed in the cab.  To assist in this process, the group should already know how many bags each member has, this information should be conveyed to the person observing the cab driver loading the bags.

A common practice of shoddy cab drivers is to let the fare load the trunk.  Before the fare can get into the cab, the driver would pull off.   Needless to say, the driver doesn't receive the fare, but they do have bags that contain possible valuables. 

Other than theft, drivers will go to a remote place and either rob or assault the fare.  Again, the best way to combat this practice is travel in a group.  If traveling alone, you might want to conduct some pre-traveling homework.  Most hotels offer a shuttle service that can be contacted directly from the airport.  One can also avail themselves to a reputable limousine service in the local area.   And if you must take a cab alone, always appear confident to the driver when communicating your desired location.  Pre-written directions to your location will help here.  Never lead on that you are there for the first time, even if traveling as a tourist.

Hotels

Most hotels are staffed with 24-hour security.  However, many cases of litigation involve travelers who have been assaulted in their room or on hotel property. 

When checking in, it's always a good idea to have a bellboy assist you to your room.  In the event that someone is lurking in the room at check-in, at least someone else is available to summon help.  This is especially advisable to women traveling alone.

While settling in, take a moment to orient yourself to the room.  Take special note of possible escape routes should an emergency arise.  Consideration should be given to hallways, stairwells, emergency lighting, and fire alarms.  And always remember, in case of fire; use stairwells to descend as opposed to elevators.

When returning to a room after an extended period of time, it's a good idea to prop the door open.  Afterwards, you should conduct a visual sweep of the room.  Making sure to check behind all doors and shower curtains.  

Attire

The clothes we wear say a lot.  This mainly pertains to those who travel abroad.  Many times travelers are targeted for harm because they have identified themselves as an “outsider.”  Therefore, clothes with insignias, reference to American cities, products, etc.…should not be worn.  This also includes personal baggage that advertises. 

Miscellaneous

In the event that you were incapacitated for any reason, there should be some documentation to alert others to any personal conditions that medical personal should be privy.  This is critically important for those who travel alone.  Documentation should include:

·          Date of birth

·          Personal physician contact information

·          Medications taken

·          Medications allergic to

·          Next of kin contact information

·          Blood type 

Conclusion

Personal safety should always be a top priority of one's travel plans.  Plan wisely, observe your surroundings, and get back home safely!