The most common precautions taken when going out after dark are to make sure of transport home, and to avoid certain types of people or certain places. People living in large cities or urban conurbations are more likely than others to take these precautions. More women than men take precautions against risk from crime, and older people tend to take more precautions than younger people. Except where people have restricted mobility, there appears to be a willingness by people to walk substantial distances. The main inhibitor to walking on short journeys is the need to carry heavy shopping.
Personal security appears to be of less importance.
On longer journeys the main advantages of the car over public transport appear to be speed, flexibility and convenience. Again, personal security is of less importance. There appears to be considerable scope to encourage walking and use of public transport on trips to and from leisure venues, especially those which are not alcohol-focused. Many people already walk or use public transport, including taxis, to travel to and from venues which are alcohol-focused. For parents of children in urban and rural areas alike, concern about traffic accidents are the main reason for not allowing a child to walk to school.