Regardless of whether you’re a passing tourist or a long-standing resident, trying to stay safe in New York City is almost always at the top of the list of things you’re trying to do. As a resident, you probably look for the safest places to live in NYC whenever you’re looking for a new place to live or visit—as a tourist, you want to stay safe while you’re out and exploring everything the Big Apple has to offer.
So, while you’re packing your bags or planning your next adventure in NYC, here are a few common sense tips to help you stay safe. This way, the only thing on your mind is having a great time.
With everything that’s always going on, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to your safety. After all, there are plenty of things to see and do so who has time to worry about a potential accident or other type of unfortunate event? To help you stay a little safer, here are a few tips you can follow.
Yes, the bright lights associated with NYC are real. From Broadway to Times Square and beyond, there’s plenty to see. However, this is also something would-be thieves depend on. They actively look for individuals paying more attention to the lights and displays than their surroundings.
Even crowded streets and public transportation require you to be aware of what’s going on around you. Pickpocketing is still a thing in NYC. You can easily lose your phone or wallet to a talented thief when you’re not paying attention. Purses haphazardly slung over shoulders also make an attractive target.
Simply paying attention to what’s going on around you, and who’s in the vicinity can significantly reduce your chances of being the victim of a thief.
Are you used to always having your cell phone in hand, even while walking? If so this is a habit you should probably go ahead and try to break. Remember, paying attention to your surroundings is paramount for your safety, and this applies whether you’re in the Big Apple or wandering down a neighborhood street.
New York sidewalks aren’t always known for their great upkeep. Sidewalks are often uneven or broken. You can easily trip and fall and being injured on your trip to NYC probably isn’t on your itinerary.
Since your accident is caused by you not paying attention, there’s a good chance you don’t have grounds for filing a personal injury claim. Since you’re the negligent party, you’re usually responsible for covering your damages.
Besides, think of the sights you may be missing while you’re playing with your smartphone. You can wander past the September 11th Memorial & Museum without seeing a thing.
Following this safety tip shouldn’t be too difficult. Just think for a second, when was the last time you paid with cash? While you’re in NYC, leave your cash at home or in your hotel room. Pretty much everyone takes debit and credit cards, including souvenir shops and street vendors.
You can even use mobile apps like Apple Pay to cover the cost of anything you might want to buy. When you’re not flashing cash around, you’re a lot less tempting for thieves to target.
You also want to be careful using ATMs. If you need to withdraw cash, try to use an ATM located inside a bank. Stay away from stand-alone ATMs, thieves are often hanging around waiting for a potential victim to come by.
NYC is famous for its taxis, and you can still flag down a cab. If you decide to hail a taxi, make sure it has a working meter. If the cabbie is missing their fare meter, you may want to immediately hop out. Without a meter, the cab driver can choose any fare they want. You may end up paying two or three times as much as you would in a metered cab.
Rideshare platforms are also big in New York City. If you book a ride with one of the platforms like Lyft or Uber, pay attention to the vehicle make, model, and license plate. All of this information should pop up when you confirm the ride.
Don’t forget about double-checking the driver’s name and appearance before hopping in. Otherwise, you may be accepting a ride from a stranger who may not take you to your destination. This is advice you should always follow regardless of the city.
Riding the subway in NYC is almost a rite of passage. Even lifetime residents hop on the subway at least every once in a while. While the subway is a vital part of the city’s transportation network, it can also be dangerous.
Subway platforms can become crowded and a lot of jostling can go on. You don’t want to be jostled to the edge of the platform. While you’re probably not going to sustain serious injuries from falling off the platform, there’s always the risk of being hit by a passing train.
You also don’t want to let your guard down once you’re safely on the train. Subway cars can also be havens for thieves. Keep your belongings close and pay attention to who’s in your vicinity.
When getting off the subway, sometimes it’s best to hang back and let everyone else get off first. This way you’re not being shoved or pulled as others try to squeeze past you.
In a city as large as the Big Apple, it can be difficult to tell if you’re being followed. The streets are often crowded with people going in the same direction as you. However, if you start noticing the same individual is always behind you, it may mean you’re being followed.
Head to a well-lit area like a retail shop or neighborhood bodega. IF you pass a police officer, stop and let them know your concerns. Even if you’re mistaken at least you’re taking steps to stay safer in New York City. Hopefully, these simple tips will help you stay safe so all that’s on your mind is having a great time in NYC.
