How to Stay Safe During Protests
The past few months, cities across the country have seen a surge of large public gatherings and protests. Even as COVID-19 safety concerns plague the nation, protests continue. As individuals continue to seek out large gatherings for political and personal reasons, it is important to understand how to stay safe during protests. If you participate in or encounter a protest, use the following safety tips to protect yourself.
We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe this summer. If you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
How to Stay Safe During Protests If You Are a Driver
Protests and other large gatherings can cause traffic disruptions and potentially dangerous situations. You can travel safely during protests by staying alert and aware of your surroundings. Stay safe while driving with the following safety tips.
Planning to Drive During Protests
- Be prepared for road and lane closures. If possible, plan your route to avoid the protests. Avoid large city centers.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave on your trip.
- Allow extra time for travel.
- Have an alternative route or routes for your trip.
Driving During Protests
- Drive sober. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Pay attention. Do not use your phone or other electronic devices.
- Always wear a seat belt. Make sure children are properly restrained in car seats.
- Drive with caution.
- Keep your eyes and ears alert.
- Do not exceed the speed limit.
- Stay alert for other drivers and pedestrians.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Be prepared to stop.
- Follow road signs and police instructions.
What Happens if Your Car Is Caught in a Protest?
Not all individuals encounter a protest through choice. Drivers may be caught unaware by a protest that has blocked streets or overtaken the roadways. What should you do if you are caught in your car during a protest?
- Stay calm and navigate to a safe situation.
- Keep your doors locked and windows closed.
- If there is an emergency, call 911.
- If you find yourself approaching a crowd or being approached by a crowd, try to find a new route. Turn down the nearest side street or try to turn around. Drive in a safe and cautious manner.
- Never drive through a crowd.
- If you are unable to drive your car away from the crowd, you may need to park and leave your vehicle. If you need to park your car, find a safe spot, lock it, and leave the vehicle. Seek shelter in side streets, doorways, or any place away from the protest.
- If you cannot safely exit or move your vehicle, stop and turn off the engine. Lock your doors and remain calm. Do not engage with the protesters.
Since May 27, 2020, drivers have hit protesters at least 66 times. As protests continue, this number has increased. It is illegal to hit protesters. It is extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. Never drive through a crowd.
If you are injured by a driver during a protest, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Our job is to review all the facts and help you get the compensation due you for your injuries in your personal injury accident. With years of experience in this field, Anthem Injury Lawyers is the firm you want on your side should you be injured by another. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
How to Stay Safe During Protests if You Are a Trucker
The American Trucking Associations, ATA Safety Management Council, and the ATA Transportation Security Council presented the following recommendations for professional drivers entering areas of protest and social unrest:
- Immediately report any emergency situation to local law enforcement by calling 911.
- Avoid areas of unrest.
- Exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
- Plan for road closures.
- If your route brings you through an area that has seen protests, check that the interstates and roads along the route are open. Ensure the area you are delivering to is safe. You can check the local news, with your dispatcher, or with the safety department.
- Contact the delivery location for current and timely situations and conditions. Traffic conditions are constantly changing.
- Remain in regular communication with your dispatcher to provide travel updates.
- Plan ahead, try to make deliveries in areas of unrest during the day, at night park in well lit, safe areas.
- Assess every situation prior to exiting the cab of your truck. If danger or exposure to large gatherings in the form of protest exist, abort delivery operations.
- Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections before departing domiciled locations. Eliminate maintenance breakdowns from the equation.
- Always keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Remove keys from unattended vehicles and ensure trailer locking and latching mechanisms are functioning properly.
- If you encounter a gathering, stop your vehicle and do not drive through.
- Avoid any interaction and do not provoke the group.
- If available, utilize your in-cab camera in an unsafe situation to document your surroundings.
- Maintain continuous contact with your dispatcher and safety department for specific operating procedures and follow company policy.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Safety Tips for Protesters
If you decide to participate in a protest, safety should be a top priority.
Before You Protest
- Know your rights. Understand the rules and regulations in the city you are protesting.
- Understand the protest. Try to know the group you are joining with and the actions they are taking.
- Plan ahead. Know what to expect and how to get assistance. Make a plan to reconnect with your friends if you are separated.
How to Stay Safe During Protests
Amnesty International provided a flyer with the below information on safety during protests:
What to Do
- Be calm and focused.
- Watch for signs of physical and mental problems in yourself and others. Cool down others who exhibit panic behavior.
- Document the protest.
- Avoid using Vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen, or moisturizers on skin. These products can trap chemicals.
- Leave the contact lenses at home. Contact lenses can trap irritating chemicals underneath.
- Participate with friends. Don’t go alone.
- Stay hydrated and eat food.
- Avoid wearing things which can easily be grabbed.
What to Bring
- Water in a plastic bottle with a squirt top. Use this to drink and/or to wash off your skin or eyes.
- Snacks.
- Identification.
- Emergency contact information.
- Limited money for pay-phone, food, and/or transportation.
- Any necessary medication including inhaler, EpiPen, or insulin.
- Wet wipes and tissues.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Face covering.
- Comfortable protective shoes.
- Clothing covering all your skin to protect from sun and pepper spray exposure.
- Protective goggles.
How to Deal with Tear Gas
Not all protests are peaceful. Some protests may result in police involvement and/or tear gas. Amnesty International provided the below information on how to deal with tear gas during a protest:
- Gas masks provide the best facial protection, if properly fitted and sealed.
- Alternatively, goggles, respirators, or a wet bandana over the nose and mouth will help.
- Stay calm. Panicking increases the irritation. Breathe slowly and remember it is only temporary.
- Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough, and spit. Try not to swallow.
- If you are wearing contacts, you must remove the lenses with clean, uncontaminated fingers. Destroy the lenses after exposure.
- Do not rub in the tear gas.
How to Protest Safely During a Pandemic
Protesting during a pandemic carries additional risks. If you choose to protest during the COVID-19 pandemic you should do the following to stay safe during protests:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Keep a distance.
- Wear a mask.
Anytime there is a large gathering, there is the potential for accidents and injuries. If you are injured during a protest through no fault of your own, contact the experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers. Our phone number is (702) 857-6000. We offer free consultations.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
If another party injures you, seek medical help immediately. Once you have received medical help, seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. The experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers offers you some of the very best attorneys in the Las Vegas area who can help protect your rights and get you the personal injury settlement that you deserve. We are located in Henderson, Nevada and serve clients all over the Las Vegas Valley. Our phone number is (702) 857-6000. We offer free consultations. Should you need us to, we can come to you within the Las Vegas area, for your consultation.
Call or text (702) 857-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
