Safety While Traveling

Walla Walla University is concerned with employee safety when traveling. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict when and where dangerous situations can occur but there are some guidelines when traveling to decrease the risk of being a victim. Common sense recommendations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Keep wallets and checkbooks in front pockets while walking in airports. Purses should be held firmly next to the body, rather than hanging from straps. Luggage and briefcases should be held whenever possible. Items that are set down should not be left unattended.

• Avoid walking outdoors at night whenever possible. Even streets next to the hotel that look safe during the day may not be safe at night.

• Plan route in advance through well-lit public areas and walk with purpose and confidence.

• Park in well-lit areas and always lock the vehicle. Have vehicle keys in your hand when walking to vehicle. Make a habit of looking in vehicle windows before entering.

• Keep valuables locked in the trunk of the vehicle, or otherwise out of sight from passersby.

• When driving through unfamiliar or crowded streets, keep vehicle windows up and doors locked at all times.

• If possible when approaching a stop sign or signal, leave enough space between cars to maneuver should the car ahead fail to move.

• Pay attention to surrounding vehicles when driving to avoid being blocked in or not having enough room to maneuver should a car swerve or stop suddenly.

• Obtain directions or maps in advance of a trip and study them. It is suggested that maps should be read privately rather than in the airport, rental car office, or sitting in a vehicle.

• Where possible, avoid pulling off to the side of the road. It may be safer to drive to a service station or a well-lit public place.

• When having car trouble that requires pulling over to the side of the road, it is recommended to open the vehicle hood and then stay in the vehicle with the doors locked until help arrives. If a passing motorist stops to help, the window can be opened just a crack to ask them to call for roadside service.

• When threatened by an assailant, it is often best to give them whatever items they ask for without resisting although it is suggested to avoid going anywhere in a vehicle with the assailant. It is also suggested to avoid making direct eye contact with the assailant. Every situation is different and an employee should go with his/her instinct for self-protection rather than trying to protect property.