The media often portrays the U.S. as a violent culture. There are a lot of stereotypes about
violence on the streets in the U.S. Most likely, you will not observe or encounter any acts of
violence, as AFS students are not placed in areas that are considered unsafe. However, it is
important to remember that the U.S. is a very diverse country, which includes both small towns
and big cities.
Community safety is different in every area. Ask your host family if it’s safe to walk around your
community at night and/or alone. Ask your host family if there are any specific areas or streets in
your host community that you should avoid. In some places, it is advisable to walk with someone
else. Always listen to these warnings and be “street smart.”
General Precautions
• Always carry some form of identification (ex: school ID, AFS ID card, etc.) in case of
emergency.
• Don’t wear headphones when walking outside, especially near busy streets or in crowded
areas.
• If you do wear headphones, always set your volume lower so that you can still hear and react
to external sounds.
• Always be aware of your environment and pay attention.
• Walk confidently and look alert!
• Know what and who is around you and where you are going at all times.
• If you see or sense problems on your way, change your route and prepare to run away if
necessary.
• If you are unable to run away, give the person anything they ask for and try not to
make the person angry.
• Beware of pickpocketing, especially in crowds and larger cities. It is NOT advisable to
carry large amounts of cash, especially if you don’t need it or don’t plan to spend it that
day. Also, be cautious when taking money out of your wallet. Do not show anyone the
money you have with you. Be careful when using your debit or credit card at ATM
machines, especially ATMs located in public places. Always stand in front of the machine
and cover the keypad with one hand so that no one can see what you are entering,
especially the Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• When waiting for public transportation, it’s a good idea to wait in a lighted area,
ideally near or within shouting distance of other people.
• Avoid people on the street who look like they may be under the influence of drugs or
alcohol. These people can be unpredictable and can bring about potentially harmful
situations. If they say something to you, it is best to ignore them and walk away.
• When approaching your home at night, firmly hold your key for easy access and
protection. Ask your host family if they leave any lights on when leaving the house.
• Consult your host family before you arrange to meet someone. As a visitor to the U.S.,
you may find different treatment will be given to you. Some people may be eager to
befriend you. Others may try to take advantage of you in hopes that you may not
understand English or U.S. cultural norms.
• Do not immediately trust people that are not well-known to your host family or the
local AFS volunteers and always talk to your host family before you make plans to meet
someone outside of school hours, letting them know whom you would like to meet and
where.
Threatening Situations
If you come face-to-face with someone threatening you with a gun, a knife, or any other weapon, there
are steps that you can take to make the situation less dangerous.
Take a deep breath, step back, remain calm.
The most important thing to do is probably one of the most difficult: remain calm. If you are hysterical, it
is unlikely that you will be able to maintain mental clarity. Making eye
contact helps them view you as human. Follow the instructions of the person with the weapon but be sure to communicate what you're about to do. For example, if they ask for your wallet, before reaching
into your purse or pocket tell them what you are about to do. Then do it slowly and calmly. Don’t challenge them, talk carefully. Remember a robber is simply using a weapon to increase their chances of success, the point is your wallet or purse. Give it to them.
Do not get into the car of someone you do not know. If someone attempts to force you into a car, run away and scream.
Transportation
Modes of transportation vary widely across the U.S. Urban areas often enjoy a much more comprehensive public transportation system than suburban or rural areas, which depend more on car travel. Some public transportation systems are safer than others. It is very important to talk to your host family about how you will get to the places you need to go and how to keep yourself safe in transit.
In a Car
Many U.S. Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt. In 2022, 91.6% of passengers and drivers in the U.S. used their seatbelts. In 2022, 47% of people killed in motor vehicle crashes were
NOT wearing seat belts. Seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45%.
Some people might think that wearing a seatbelt for short car rides is unnecessary. However, the
risk of getting into a serious crash is just as great when you take a quick trip as it is on a longer
trip. 75% of all serious motor vehicle crashes occur within 40 km of a person’s home.
There are mandatory safety belt laws in all states except New Hampshire. In some states, these
laws cover front-seat occupants only, but belt laws in 29 states and the District of Columbia
cover all rear-seat occupants too. A driver may be ticketed and fined for not adhering to their
state’s rules; however, more importantly you as a passenger put yourself at risk by not “buckling
up.”
Whether you are in the car of a friend or host family member, always remember to buckle
up! To find out more about seat belt use and transportation safety issues in your state, log on to
http://nhtsa.gov.
On a School Bus
School bus transportation is safe. In fact, buses are safer than cars! Even so, every year, hundreds
of students are injured, and some are even killed in incidents involving school buses in the U.S.
More often than not, these injuries and deaths did not occur in a crash, but as the students were
entering and exiting the bus. Remember these safety tips:
• Wait for your bus in a safe place. Avoid traffic and remain on the
sidewalk.
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the
driver signals you to enter.
• When being dropped off, exit the bus, and walk ten giant steps
away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus.
Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are
farther away from the bus.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• Be aware of the street traffic around you as you get on and off the
bus. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road
concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and
watch out!
On Public Transportation
Remember that there is usually safety in numbers.
• Wait in a nearby shop or in a well-lit area for the public transport to arrive.
• If the bus or train is empty, don’t choose the window seat as you may be “blocked in” by a
potential assailant; always choose an aisle seat for quick exit.
• On trains, especially after peak hours, always choose the train car that has the most
passengers or the train car directly behind the train driver.
• On buses, sit behind the driver or next to the door for quick exit.
While Walking/Jogging
• Cars in the U.S. drive on the right side of the road.
• Always walk in the opposite direction of the traffic so that you can see what is coming.
• When possible, avoid walking alone.
• Walk with someone or walk in areas where other people are nearby.
• Stay in well-lit areas, away from side streets, bushes, and entryways.
• Avoid shortcuts through parks, parking lots, and other deserted places.
• Don’t accept rides from strangers.
• If a driver stops to ask you directions, avoid getting near the car.
• If you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest business or residence for help.
• If you are harassed by the occupants of a car, turn and walk or run in the other direction. The driver will have to turn around to follow you.
• When you return home, have your door key ready so that you can enter without delay.
• Don’t use headphones with music when walking in isolated areas at any time of day.
• Regularly change your routines.
• Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it’s dark.
• If you are afraid, ask someone you know to escort you to the car or public transportation stop.
• Stay alert at all times.
Large Group Demonstrations
AFS-USA reminds you that the safety of our participants is paramount, and we strongly recommend that students avoid large gatherings such as demonstrations and rallies that are political in nature. There is no way of ensuring that individuals who choose to participate in any large group gathering will be safe. There is also no way to be assured that every event will be properly policed which causes a degree of uncertainty where anything might happen.