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The USA is not a dangerous place
Forget what you saw in the movies. You are safe in the USA. Learning
a little about the cultural differences is the only "weapon" you'll
need for trouble-free travel. Despite the news reports about tourist
troubles on Florida highways and the availability of handguns, the
United States is a relatively safe place. Remember: the "horror
stories" make interesting news because they are unusual events.
The typical crime victim in the USA is not a sweet little grandmother
or a European tourist. Most crime victims are single, unemployed,
young men. Members of their own families usually kill murder victims.
Our gun crimes scare people. Some people even avoid a trip to the
USA for fear of a bullet. Don't worry, you will find little danger.
All cities have "good" and "bad" areas. Talk to locals to get an
idea of where the "bad" areas are located and avoid them especially
at night. "Drive-by" shootings only occur in the neighborhoods full
of gang conflicts. Most Americans have never seen a shooting except
in the movies.
Some precautions when driving in the US
You can take a few precautions. Remember that the USA is a car-dependent
country. Public transportation outside of large cities is non-existent
or unreliable. You should rent a cell telephone for your travels.
Call 911 for the police and emergencies services anywhere in the
USA. If you have no cell phone, carry a large sign that says, "Call
Police-Send help" in case of a breakdown. Remember to lock your
car doors, store valuables in the trunk, and do not stop for strangers.
Police officers who stop drivers for traffic violations will always
be in a marked police car and will be in uniform.
Carjacking and Bump and Rob attacks are rare
You should be careful about a "bump and rob" attack. Although
it is rare, some criminals steal cars and valuables by bumping a
target car. When the driver gets out to assess the damage and exchange
information, the thief and his companions rob the victim. If you
are bumped by another car, pull into a well-lit area with other
people around before getting out. If you are uncomfortable with
the situation, call 911 on your mobile phone.
Carjacking tends to be a crime of opportunity. Don't give criminals
a chance. Keep your car doors locked and don't drive in bad neighborhoods
late at night. Check your maps before setting out. Carjackers look
for cars which slow down or stop to ask directions. It is best to
park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas. Always check with local
residents to find out which parts of town are unsafe.
You won't find many tourist offices in the USA
You will not find many Tourist Information Offices to assist you.
If you are a member of your own national Automobile Association,
obtain information on the American Automobile Association before
you leave home. Many foreign automobile clubs have reciprocal courtesy
arrangement with the AAA. The "Triple A" can help you find lodging
and car repair services.
The International Youth Hostel Association also has a few facilities
across the United States. If you are an IYA member, get a guide
to services in the USA before leaving home. Finding the right place
to stay is the most important step that you can take to have a safe
happy trip.
Try to plan your accommodations in advance!
Sleeping in train stations or bus stations is generally not accepted
in the USA. In some train stations, the police will wake you. Safe
travel through the United States requires planning - getting off
a bus or a train at night and seeking lodging may not be a good
idea. Try to plan your accommodations in advance. You can usually
find motel rooms along major interstate highways without a reservation.
Do not sleep in your car at highway "rest areas."
Bed and Breakfasts in the European tradition do not exist in the
United States. In the USA, Bed and Breakfast establishments are
often expensive, exclusive places that can break your budget. However,
you will find an array of hotels to suit every budget. Many chains
run specials with double rooms costing as little as $29.95. Check
with your travel agent, airline, or car rental company for more
information.
Stay off private property!
Do not camp on private land and do not camp beside the highway.
You can be arrested for camping on private property, even worse
- the property owner could shoot at you. Private property in the
United States of America is very private indeed, public footpaths
do not cross fields, and there isn't always a right of access available
to reach lakeshores or other desirable places. Use only public beaches,
marked trails and State or National Parks. Consult a guidebook for
designated wilderness areas where free camping is permitted. In
most areas, you will also find commercial camp grounds.
Some caution for single women travelers
Attitudes toward women in the USA are different from customs in
some other countries. Women entering a bar or even a restaurant
or café alone can be perceived as "looking for company."
Women alone, or even in pairs, may wish to avoid places that have
a mostly male crowd. If a place makes you uncomfortable - leave!
See also Driving in the US, and
safety.
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