We all know that feeling — the excitement of getting ready for a night out, whether it’s with friends or a special someone. But sometimes, during all the fun, it’s easy to forget about safety.
Regardless of where you’re going or who you’re with, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
While it’s impossible to control everything, there are a few things you can do to stay safe on a night out.
We’ve divided this blog post into three sections:
Before you go out;
While you’re out;
After you leave the party or club.
By following our simple safety tips, you can ensure that your next night out is even more fun.
Before you go out
Determine who you’re going with
Choosing the right company is the first step to a fantastic and safe night out. It’s critical that you feel at ease and secure when you’re out with people — whether it’s with friends, coworkers, or even someone new.
Before you go out with anyone, make sure you know them well enough to trust them. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, try to do so in a public place during daylight hours.
Check the location in advance
Once you know who you’ll be spending your evening with, it’s time to start thinking about where you’re going. A place you’re familiar with is always best, but if you’re venturing somewhere new and aren’t familiar with the area, do a little research first.
Check out the location in advance, either online or by asking friends who may have been there before. This way, you’ll know what to expect and plan accordingly, especially if you go out alone.
Some of the most important things to look for are the type of crowd that visits the place, how well-lit and safe the area is, and whether or not there will be security present.
Let someone know where and with whom you’ll be
Once you have your evening details figured out, it’s important to let someone know where you’ll be and who you’ll be with, especially if you’re going to be out late.
You can also ask a friend or family member to check in with you periodically throughout the night for an extra sense of personal safety.
Charge your phone
Making sure your phone is fully charged before you leave home may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to do this. In case of an emergency, you’ll want to ensure your phone is working properly.
Remember that modern apps and features available on most smartphones can quickly drain your battery, so give your phone a full charge before heading out for the evening.
While you’re out
Stay aware of your surroundings
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, no matter where you are or who you’re with. This means paying attention to the people around you, as well as your environment.
If you feel like something is off, or you’re not comfortable for any reason, trust your gut and walk away from the situation immediately.
Keep an eye on your drink
One of the most important things to remember while you’re out is never leaving your drink unattended. If you need to walk away for any reason, finish your drink first or ask a friend to watch it for you. If you do leave your drink unattended, it’s best to get a new one.
Stay with your group
There’s safety in numbers, so it’s always best to stick with your group of friends while you’re out. This way, you can watch out for each other and make sure everyone is having a good time.
If you do happen to get separated from your group, don’t panic. Find a safe place to stay put and call or text a friend to let them know where you are.
Update your friends or family on your plans
Throughout the night, your plans may change. Whether you’re going somewhere different or staying out later than you originally planned, let your friends know.
Just a quick text or phone call can help put their minds at ease and ensure that someone knows where you are in case of an emergency.
After you leave the party or event
Get a safe ride home
After a night out, getting home safe and sound is important. Walking or taking public transportation may not always be the best option, especially if you’re alone and it’s late at night.
In these cases, it’s better to use a ride-hailing service like Bolt. Unlike taxis, you get the price and driver details (name, picture, car model) beforehand. All drivers on our platform are vetted and verified for your safety.
Plus, if you’re in a group, you can choose the type of vehicle that fits your group size and add multiple stops to your trip. This way, your group won’t have to split up and can stay together until the end.
Share your ride details with friends and family
Even if you’re using a ride-hailing service, sharing your ride details with a friend or family member is always a good idea.
With Bolt, you can easily share your ride details with others using the “Share trip details” feature in the app. This not only shares details about the driver and car but also allows your family and friends to track your location in real-time.
Our safety kit feature also includes an emergency assistance button — immediately connecting you to the local authorities, who can track your location and send help if needed.
Enjoy your night out
Staying safe doesn’t have to stop you from having fun. Follow the personal safety tips above to keep out of harm’s way so you can relax and enjoy your time out to the max!