Travel and transport:

1. Unplug your headphones.

Ever have that friend who sneaks up on you in the library during finals week and makes you loudly freak out? It’s kind of like that — but a lot scarier. By wearing headphones, you’re losing touch with one of your senses, making it easier to become a target. Don’t sacrifice your safety just for Adele to say “Hello.”

2. Be careful in parking lots and parking garages.

Keep your keys pointed out between your fingers to disarm potential attackers and carry Mace on your keychain.
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask a friend, co-worker or security guard to walk with you to your car — chances are they get the request often. Parking garages are creepy even when it’s day time.

3. Sit close to the driver. Don’t choose a window seat if alone.

On public transportation, staying away from the front and sitting close to the window furthers you from help and lets you be caged in by potential attackers. This poor pregnant woman had to endure being called an “ISIS bitch” on the bus, alongside pure hate speech and threats. Be sure to stay in the sight of the driver — don’t sit directly behind them.

4. Stand away from the edge of subway platforms. Hold onto pillars if necessary.

There have been way too many instances of unsuspecting Muslims (and suspected Muslims) being pushed into trains from behind and oncoming traffic. Don’t let that be you, even if it means standing too close for comfort to the sweating man or crying child also taking the train or bus.

5. Enduring TSA checks, we know the frustration.

We wish there was an easier way to not be subject to “random” searches at airports. But now we can’t even go on our phones or we’ll be forced to get off the plane for further questioning! This no-win situation requires compliance, patience — and solidarity on social media, because we ain’t going to get it elsewhere.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing in airports so it’s over as quickly as possible and you can be on your way.
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Image: Flickr