Safety tips when you're out and about

According to the South African Police Service, 20 336 people were murdered in 2017/18, while a report by News24 states that a woman is killed every 4 hours.

READ ALSO: Secura: A great new security service to help South Africans

Here are a few tips to help you be and feel safer when you’re out:

Plan your route

Before leaving the house, know where you are going and research the area. Look at the map and study the routes well. Stopping on the road to ask strangers for directions or getting lost and stopping to read a map can put your life at risk.

Be alert

Look at your surroundings, and if you suspect anything or notice someone following you, change your route and drive or walk to the nearest police station or busy area or shop. 

If you are a motorist, check your car properly before getting into it. Check the passenger side, the floor and the back seat to make sure that nobody is inside.  If the car doesn't look suspicious, check that nobody is loitering around you and make sure to lock the doors as soon as you’re inside the car.

Use technology

Safety can be a click away with technology. Invest in an app that can help you when you find yourself in a dangerous situation. The new Secura app is designed to protect you and your loved ones with rapid response in emergency situations by providing you with a mobile panic button. All you need to do is activate the panic button and hit it when in danger. It will notify the armed response vehicle, which will dispatch to your live location immediately. The app is available for Android and iOS phones.

Stay in well-lit areas

Don’t walk or drive alone in dark or desolate areas. If you are going to walk at night, wear visible or reflective clothing and choose a route that is busy. Let a friend know where you are at all times, and when you are expected to arrive at your destination. If at any point you feel unsafe call the police immediately.

Use your phone wisely

Do not chat and drive, it’s illegal and puts your life and other motorists live in danger. Chatting when walking can also be a hindrance and a distraction, you must always stay alert. Also, avoid using headphones when walking or driving. Headphones block out sound around you, leaving you vulnerable and unprepared.

Handbag safety

Hold your handbag close and never hang it on the back of a chair in a public place or leave it unattended in a shopping cart or baby stroller. If it happens that you are attacked for your handbag, toss it away from you, instead of handing it to the criminal, and run away. While having your handbag stolen is traumatic and inconvenient, whatever you have in your bag is not worth your life.

Remember to be vigilant and to always trust your instinct.

We tested the Secura app live on air, watch what happened: