Safety in the USA

Although it’s true that the US has a higher crime rate than many other developed countries, its reputation for violence is often exaggerated by the media. As a whole, the country is a safe place to live. If you’re relocating from abroad, you’ll need to remain conscious of your safety in the USA, but you’ll usually be fine as long as you avoid some of the more dangerous inner-city areas where crime is often concentrated.

Crime in the USA

Loose gun laws and a glaring disparity between the wealthy and the poor are contributing factors to the high crime rate in the US, but expats generally tend to live in neighbourhoods unaffected by serious or violent crimes. Violent crime is more of a concern in city centres than in suburban and rural communities.

Poorer neighbourhoods, where crime is more common, are avoidable, and downtown areas and business districts are typically safe. Before you rent or buy property, familiarise yourself with the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sections of cities.

Basic safety precautions which you’d practise elsewhere in the world should be followed here too, such as avoiding walking alone through less busy areas of the city at night.

Terrorism in the USA

Terrorism, including domestic terrorism, is a risk in the USA. In many cases, the country’s various security agencies are typically able to intercept any plots from large terrorist groups before they are carried out.

The main risk comes from local individuals inspired by terrorist ideology to carry out so-called ‘lone actor’ attacks targeting public events or places. School shootings are a perennial concern. The vast majority of schools have put various security measures in place, including active shooter drills and enhanced protocols, to limit any possible damage in the case of a shooting.

Natural disasters in the USA

Natural disasters in the USA can be a factor in certain regions, and you should familiarise yourself with the specific risks where you plan to live.

Hurricane season runs from June through November, with coastal states from Texas to Maine potentially affected. There are earthquake risks in the Pacific Northwest and California, and states like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas sit in ‘Tornado Alley,’ where twisters are most common from spring through early summer. Wildfires have become increasingly severe, particularly in California, Colorado, and other Western states during the dry summer months.

Most communities in disaster-prone areas have well-established emergency alert systems and evacuation procedures. You’ll get emergency alerts directly to your mobile phone through the Wireless Emergency Alert system.

Weather and Climate in the USA

Road safety in the USA

When it comes to road safety in the USA, some challenges are different from those in many other developed countries. Traffic fatalities are higher than in similar countries, and pedestrian safety is a particular concern.

Driving culture varies across the country, but you’ll generally find wider roads and longer distances than in many parts of Europe or Asia. Americans routinely drive hours for weekend trips, and in many areas outside major cities, a car is essential. Traffic rules have some notable differences too: you can usually turn right on a red light after stopping (unless posted otherwise), and the use of roundabouts is far less common than in Europe.

Traffic laws vary by state, which can catch newcomers off guard. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent nationwide for drivers over 21, but some other rules differ: some states require all vehicle occupants to wear seat belts, while others don’t, mobile telephone laws vary, and even speed limits change as you cross state lines.

Drink-driving is taken extremely seriously, and there are severe penalties including licence suspension, heavy fines, and potential jail time. For drivers under 21, most states enforce zero-tolerance policies, meaning any detectable alcohol can result in charges.

Read up on Transport and Driving in the USA.

Dos and don’ts of avoiding crime in the USA

• Do remain aware at all times. Many crimes are opportunistic, especially when you look like an easy target. Being vigilant of your surroundings and potential risks makes you less appealing to criminals.
• When moving to a new city, ask for recommendations about which neighbourhoods are safe and which are not so safe. Don’t visit known dangerous areas if possible. Avoiding crime hotspots significantly decreases your risk of becoming a victim.
• Do keep valuables and flashy items hidden when out and about, or better yet, leave them at home. Don’t carry lots of cash.
• Where possible, don’t travel alone at night. It is more difficult for criminals to assail more than one person, and it allows for more potential witnesses.
• Do stay in well-lit, public areas. Avoid isolated areas such as alleyways.
• Do be aware of popular scams. Protect your money and your identity. Don’t share personal information like your bank account number, Social Security number, or date of birth.
• Do use reputable taxi companies. If using an app like Uber or Lyft, double-check your driver’s vehicle information and verify their name before getting in the car.
• Do treat police officers with respect. If stopped, remain calm and keep your hands where the officer can see them.
• Do know the number for the emergency services: 911.