Weekend Safety Tips from the Office of Public Safety

Published by on November 21, 2019 12:00 am Comments Off on Weekend Safety Tips from the Office of Public Safety in General

Whether it is a night out with friends, attending any other events on or off campus, TU Office of Public Safety has a number of important tips to keep you safe:

Watch Your Drinks:

  • Do not leave any kind of drink unattended.
  • Watch the pouring to ensure that no one has added anything to your drink.
  • Watch out for your friends and make sure their drinks are untouched.
  • Party responsibly.

Use TU Shuttle or SafeWalk:

RideShare Tips:

  • Plan ahead. Before requesting a ride, review the rideshare app’s safety features (Uber/Lyft) so you know how to use them. Also, familiarize yourself with your destination.
  • Don’t go alone. Whether walking or riding to your destination, there is strength in numbers. If you don’t have a friend to ride with, many share companies offer car pool services.
  • Wait inside. Avoid spending unnecessary time outside and alone with your phone in your hand. The app shows when your driver has arrived. Until then, wait indoors.
  • Follow your intuition. Chief Herring encourages students to trust their instincts — that if something doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t right for you.
  • Know the car. Before you get in the car, check that license plate, driver photo, and driver name all match what’s listed in the app. Uber rides can only be requested through the app, so never get in a car with a driver who claims to be with Uber and offers a ride.
  • Take a back seat. If you do find yourself riding alone, sit in the back seat. This ensures you can safely exit on either side of the vehicle to avoid moving traffic, and it gives you and your driver some personal space.
  • Buckle up. The Centers for Disease Control reports that seatbelt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries related to car accidents.
  • Share your trip details with a friend. While en route, tap “Share status” in the app to share your ride details — driver’s name, photo, license plate — and route with a friend or family member. They will know your ETA and can track your trip.
  • Call for help. If you suspect danger, or if you have an emergency, call 911 immediately. Uber also provides an in-app emergency button to connect riders directly to 911. It can be reached through a section of the app called the Safety Center. The Safer Mobility app that TU students are encouraged to use functions similarly — calling TUPD directly when on campus, and the nearest 911 center when off campus.
  • Follow the Light. Uber and Lyft also offer glowing dashboard lights called the Beacon and Amp that change color to match a hue on a passenger’s app. But the lights are in limited distribution and not available to all drivers.
  • Protect your personal information. There’s no need to share your phone number or other contact information with your driver. Apps enable riders and drivers to communicate anonymously to protect everyone’s privacy.
  • Be kind and respectful. Maintain a respectful relationship between rider and driver.
  • Give feedback. Rideshare services encourage user feedback to improve their services. That feedback may lead to action.

 

Download SaferMobility App

Get added protection with this real-time video communication tool.

  • Download from your device’s app store: search for Towson University then select SaferMobility. This app, when used within the geofence around TU’s campus, will immediately connect you to TUPD dispatch. Visit the Office of Public Safety Web page for tips and more information.
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This post was written by Mello, Nicholas J.