Arbor View High School Counseling

Being personally safe is a lifestyle choice.  Your overall safety depends on reducing the opportunity for a criminal to be successful. This is done by how you live your life and the choices that you make each and every day.

 

Did you know?

• Nationwide, in seven out of ten acts of violence, the victim know their attacker as a friend, significant other, spouse, co-worker, or casual acquaintance. 50% of all sexual assaults occur in the home.

• One out of every three crimes happens to someone between the age of 12 and 24.

• 3 out of 10 people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives, whether they drink or not.

Incidents of violence can occur anywhere at anytime. Trust your gut feeling that something may be wrong. Following are some guidelines that may help reduce potential vulnerability. Remember though, whether you choose to use the suggestions or not, no one has the right to harm you.

  

SAFETY WHEN DRIVING

• Pay attention when you drive. Car crashes are the #1 killer of young people.

• The top factors in vehicle crashes for 15-19 year olds are: speed, inexperience, and driver distraction.

• Put the phone down. It’s ILLEGAL TO TEXT while driving, no exceptions!

• It is also illegal to surf the internet or change the GPS while driving!

• Slow down. In bad weather, even driving the speed limit may be dangerous.

• Seatbelts are the most effective safety devices in vehicles. Wear one every time you get in a car and make your passengers buckle up, too. It’s the law!

• Keep passengers to a minimum. Teens who add 1 passenger increase the risk of dying in a car crash by 39%; adding 2 increases the risk by 86%; adding 3 increases the risk 282%.

• Keep your car maintained and keep your gas tank at least half full.

• If you have car trouble, raise the hood and stay in your vehicle. Call 911 for assistance. If someone other than law enforcement offers assistance, don’t get out. Ask them to call 911 for you.

• Do not stop to help a stalled vehicle. Instead, go to a safe place and report the stalled vehicle to 911. Never pick up hitchhikers or give rides to strangers.

• If you are being followed, don’t go home. Drive to the nearest 24-hour gas station, convenience store, or any place with people around and call 911.

• Park in well-lit, public areas.

• Don’t leave valuables in your car when parked anywhere, including your home or dorm parking lot! Ipods, phones, GPS units, stereo equipment, computers, gym bags, backpacks, purses/wallets, and sunglasses are all tempting to thieves.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Have your keys ready to unlock the car door and enter without delay. Lock the car door immediately after getting in.

• If you leave keys with a parking attendant or at a service station, leave only the car key (not a house or dorm room key).

• Don’t program your home address in your GPS. Use a nearby store or gas station instead, so if your GPS is stolen, criminals can’t use it to find you.

 

 

SAFETY ON THE STREET

• Stay on populated, well-lit streets. Try to walk with a friend.

• Walk confidently. Let someone know where you will be or the route you will be taking.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Make it difficult for anyone to take you by surprise. Don’t wear headphones. If you must wear them, keep the volume low, so you can hear your surroundings.

• Trust your instincts. Do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation. Forget the rules of etiquette and social norms. Be willing to make a scene, if necessary.

• Most rapes are not committed by strangers, but by men who know their victims.

• If you are in a situation where you feel you are in imminent danger, fight! Don’t hesitate! Use your self defense tactics or improvise weapons to stop the attacker and get away.

• Remember, there is a difference between self defense (protect yourself, stop attack, get away) and assault (continuing to fight after attacker has stopped to inflict harm.)

• If you have gotten a ride from a friend, ask the driver to wait and until you are safely inside.

• Limit the amount of cash you carry.

• Be willing to give up your purse/wallet. If confronted, toss the purse/wallet away from you, giving you a chance to escape.

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