Self-defense course

Module 4 — Subway, Bus & Night Travel

Lesson 42 of 50Practice ride: plan a night route

12 min

Dr. Mira explains · Module 4 — Subway, Bus & Night Travel · Lesson 42

Dr. Mira explaining lesson 42: Practice ride: plan a night route

Dr. Mira's selected Voice Calibration voice

Transcript

Hi, sweetheart. It's Dr. Mira. Welcome to lesson 42: Practice ride: plan a night route. Building a full door-to-door safety plan. Let me walk you through this properly, the way I would if we were sitting together. Plan your exit before you ever need it. Knowing the way out calms your body before anything happens. On the platform, stand back from the edge, near a pillar or the staffed booth, with your back not fully exposed. Pick the conductor's car at night — it is the middle of the train, and there is always a worker in it. Inside the car, sit where you can see the doors and where you have a clear path to stand up. Stand where other people can see you. Light and cameras are your friends. If your stomach tightens, change cars at the next stop. You do not need proof. Trust that signal. The first thirty seconds above ground matter most. Step out, move away from the stairwell, orient, then start walking with purpose. Now here's how I want you to practice. Read the lesson once, picture yourself doing it, and then do it for real one time today. One repetition is enough to start. If it feels awkward the first time, that's normal. Awkward means new, not wrong. That's all for this one. Watch it as many times as you need. I'm so proud of you for being here.

What this lesson covers

Building a full door-to-door safety plan.

Module goal: Move through the subway, buses and late-night streets with a plan already made.

What you'll be able to do

Build a full door-to-door night route plan.

Key points

  • A written plan removes decisions when you're tired or scared.

Step by step

  1. 1Write the route: door → station → car → exit → walking line → home door.
  2. 2Mark three safe doors along it.
  3. 3Add your check-in contact and ETA.
  4. 4Add a backup: what you do if the train is rerouted.

Common mistakes

  • Having a plan only in your head.

New York City scenario

Your written plan gets you home when the C train skips your stop, because the backup was already decided.

Practice drill

Write your real night route plan in your notes app today.

Quick check

What must every plan include?