Staying Safe During Your After-Work Walk to Your Vehicle
Even in daylight hours, it's important to stay alert when heading to your vehicle after work. While New Zealand generally enjoys a safe environment, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure your journey from workplace to car remains secure.
The key to personal safety is situational awareness - being mindful of your surroundings and potential risks. Before leaving your workplace, take a moment to gather your belongings and have your keys ready in your hand. This simple step eliminates the need to rummage through your bag in the carpark.
Essential safety tips for your walk to your vehicle:
Walk with purpose and confidence, staying off your phone to maintain awareness of your surroundings. If you need to make a call, wait until you're safely in your vehicle with the doors locked.
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible, and try to park near building entrances or in areas with regular foot traffic. Consider moving your car closer to the exit during your lunch break if you know you'll be working late.
Trust your instincts - if something doesn't feel right, return to your workplace or ask a colleague to walk with you. Many workplaces have policies about staff escorts after hours - don't hesitate to use them.
Before approaching your vehicle, scan the area around and under it. Check the back seat through the windows before entering, and lock your doors immediately once inside.
Additional safety measures to consider:
Vary your routine if possible. Taking different routes to your vehicle or leaving at slightly different times can reduce predictability.
Consider carrying a personal alarm which can be activated if you feel threatened. These compact devices emit a loud sound that can deter potential threats and alert others nearby.
Arrange a buddy system with colleagues who park near you. Walking together provides both safety and companionship.
Stay in contact with someone when working late. Let a friend or family member know when you're leaving work and text them once you're safely in your vehicle.
Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle to prevent opportunistic theft, which could lead to confrontations.
Remember, these precautions aren't about living in fear - they're about developing good habits that help keep you safe. Taking a few moments to implement these strategies can significantly reduce risks during that brief but important journey from workplace to vehicle.