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Safety Tips for Road and Backcountry Traveling

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Traveling can be an intimidating thing, especially when taken on solo.  For some, travel can actually be a scary endeavor, not only due to the natural environment of travel, but can be additionally intimidating due to anticipated or feared human factors (i.e risk of assault, discrimination, etc.).  Some of the experiences I have had as a young woman on the road and in the backcountry on my own, have taught me a few things that I can do proactively to prepare and think defensively for both front and backcountry trips to lessen my risk of becoming a part of a scenario beyond my control.
Plan Ahead, Know Your Route, and Be Self Sufficient
We live in an age where digital access to maps, reviews, and other online resources are at our fingertips. As result, not many people use(or know how to use) an old fashioned atlas, map or other “hard” means of trip planning.  Learning to use a map, learning to use and read a gps device and being able to navigate without an online digital resource is a first and easy step to becoming self-sufficient while traveling.
Knowing your route ahead of leaving is another way to prepare for a trip, and to be self-reliant. When I am going on a trip alone, I like to notify someone close to me of my anticipated travel dates, locations, checkpoints and anticipated return date (within a margin of error).  
If you are able, you can also enable “share my trip” on your smartphone with someone you trust so that they can track your progress via a gps signal on your phone. Devices that do not rely on a cell signal, but can send messages and gps signals are a good addition to an emergency kit: a device like InReach or a SPOT device can signal an emergency beacon to emergency responders, and some models can send text messages, and track your location.
Make sure to carry enough food, water, warmth, dry clothing to be able to stay in your vehicle if needed (something unexpected happens and help is a ways out).  Know how to change a tire (make sure you have the tools needed to do so, and make sure your spare is inflated). Learn how to check oil and fluid levels in your car, and consider carrying spare gas if you are planning to be in an area that will not have frequent gas stops. On long trips, and when I have the time to do so, as an added measure I like to go to Les Schwab or local mechanic to get a pre-trip check to make sure all car fluids are appropriate, tires well inflated and brakes are safe.
On long roadtrips and in remote areas, I try to always carry an emergency power supply for my phone in the case that I can’t use my car to charge it.
I also like to carry a small air compressor and flat repair kit along with jumper cables or a power supply bank so that I do not need to rely on another car for a jump start. This is very important when going off-highway, as even services like AAA will not always be able to travel up a gravel, or remote road to help you, that is if you even have cell service to call for assistance.
This is what I would recommend for portable and compact car care:  
Flat Tire Kit:

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Portable Power Kit & Jump-starter:

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A reader also suggested to me to bring a Fire Extinguisher on road trips (I think this is a great addition to the road trip essentials toolkit).

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Here is a list of some other things that I often carry on an extended or backcountry road trip:
  • Portable Water Filter + A couple of gallons of water
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Wool Blanket
  • JetBoil + Emergency Food
  • Emergency Cash
  • Headlamp + Flashlight
  • Warm Clothes (Socks, Jacket, Long pants)
  • Bear Mace/Other Defense
Think Defensively & Acquire the Skills and Tools Needed to Protect Yourself
I am not advocating for one way or the other to personal-defense, but no matter the method you choose it is important to know how to use the tool.  Bear Mace, Mace, Tasers, and handheld weapons are more commonly chosen for personal protection in front and back country. If you choose to use a firearm, taking a class to learn how to use it is very valuable and will give you both confidence and competence, enabling the prevention of incorrect use if you are ever in a situation that you may need to use it.
Know the Local Culture & Attitudes
If you are going into an area where you feel that for whatever reason you may be subject to differential treatment, and especially if you are alone, take into consideration ways that you can reduce the chances you might have of an undesirable or dangerous encounter when away from home.
An example of this for me is when I was working in an area where the locals disliked raft guides, and after guiding a trip, came back to have found the fuel lines on the company van cut - because they knew the car belonged to rafters because of the markings on the car. This left the group in a helpless and somewhat scary situation in the middle of a remote area. I am not sure if it could have been avoided, but has caused me to think about ways I could have reduced the chances of that happening in the future.
If you are going into an area where you feel that for whatever reason you may be subject to differential treatment, and especially if you are alone, take into consideration ways that you can reduce the chances you might have of an undesirable or dangerous encounter when away from home and far from help.

These are just a few of mine, and there are many more methods and lessons to be learned. What are the tips or lessons that you have found to be particularly useful when it comes to personal safety while traveling?
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Searlaid
11
Sep 4, 2018
All good points. The most important point ( I have traveled and lived and worked in many countries) is to learn something about the culture(s) you will be in, or traveling through. That could be to Montana from Vermont, or from the USA to Bosnia. People know when you are open to them and they will protect you. (Of course, I am not talking about psychpaths!!)
misspmacy
46
Sep 4, 2018
SearlaidI agree completely! Overall I have had great and welcoming experiences in the States and abroad - people are generally very helpful and welcoming to travelers - knowing the culture(s), is such an important aspect to trip success, and personal safety.
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