If you’re an outdoorsy type, it’s easy to assume you already know everything there is to know about staying safe in the wilderness or out on the trails. We get it. You’ve done this a million times and can pretty much anticipate most things that can happen.  

Still, even experienced adventurers occasionally let their guard down and forget necessary safety practices. No matter what activity you engage in, be it hiking, camping, or otherwise, taking extra precautions to ensure your safety must be a top priority.  

Here are five safety maxims for you to get ready and protected, no matter where the next adventure is. 

1. Take Precautions When Riding a Cab

Did you know that more than 3000 Uber passengers report being sexually assaulted by their drivers every year? 

This is a high number, and you don’t want to be another statistic. One way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by taking the necessary proactive safety tips when using rideshare to get around your outdoor activities.  

Some of these include: 

• Sharing ride details with a friend or relative  

• Waiting in a well-lit and safe space 

• Sitting at the back 

• Asking for their name before the trip starts 

• Letting them know the trip is being tracked 

• Taking the benefit of securing they stick to your preferred route 

• Taking the benefit of securing child-lock is disabled 

If the driver knows you’re taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself during the ride, it will make it less likely to do anything fishy because they know it will be easy to track them down. 

2. Consider Group Travel

If you’re an introvert who enjoys solo travel, you’ve probably checked out after reading this tip. But hear us out.  

While it may seem like a great idea to go on a solo outdoor adventure, it may be quite risky in the event of an emergency. In contrast, traveling with a group can significantly improve your safety in case of an emergency.  

Having others with you means quicker access to help, whether it’s assistance with navigation, injury, or unexpected weather.  

Group travel also adds an extra layer of security against potential threats like wildlife encounters or unforeseen accidents. Plus, you can share supplies and knowledge, making the trip more manageable and enjoyable. 

So, if you have a group of friends or family who enjoy outdoor adventures as much as you do, reach out and ask if they’d like to tag along.  

Check the Weather

Picture this. You make all your trip arrangements down to the letter, confident you haven’t forgotten anything—only to find yourself caught in unexpected weather that you could have avoided with a simple check.  

Staying informed about the weather forecast is one of the most essential steps in preparing for an outdoor excursion. But, many overlook this simple step in the excitement of planning.  

From sudden downpours to high winds or even unexpected temperature drops, bad weather can turn an enjoyable outing into a dangerous situation. Checking the forecast before heading out allows you to pack appropriate gear, plan alternative routes, or even reschedule if conditions look unsafe.  

In addition, understanding the weather patterns of the area you’re visiting can help you prepare for changes that may occur throughout the day.  

4. Share Your Itinerary With a Friend

In the spirit of being positive, many people set out on their adventures without informing anyone where they’re going or what they’ll be doing. While it’s not bad to hope for the best, it’s reckless to leave without notifying anyone of your plans.  

If something unfortunate happens, none of your friends or family members will be able to track you down in time. 

In case you’re planning to go on an outdoor excursion, especially in a remote area, it’s necessary to inform a friend or relative of your whereabouts. Most importantly, share your itinerary and attach an emergency contact if they can’t reach you. 

If you’re traveling with a tour company, it’s also a good idea to give them an emergency contact. This way, they can be in touch with your family or close friends in the event that you need assistance to get home after an injury.  

5. Learn Basic Self Defense

It’s also necessary to learn basic self-defense. All sorts of things can happen when you’re riding in a cab.  

The driver can get aggressive, someone may try to rob you and the driver, and other unimaginable things. Basic self-defense skills will inform you on how to act in such situations. 

You can take a self-defense class or watch tutorials on YouTube. It also doesn’t hurt to try some of the moves with a friend to see if you understand what to do.  

Just be sure to proceed with caution to avoid hurting them. But, in the event that you need to use these skills, don’t do anything hastily.  

Be patient and mindful of the situation before making any sudden moves, especially if the person is armed. 

There you have it: five proactive safety maxims for outdoor activities. As you can see, there’s a lot of consideration that should go into your trip to ensure you remain safe.  

To recap, ensure you take precautions while riding a cab, consider traveling with a group of friends, check the weather, share your itinerary with a relative or friend and learn basic repair skills related to your chosen outdoor activity.  

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it will go a long way in ensuring you stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors.