Getting home after a night out: do you feel safe?

30 Apr

The findings reveal a clear picture - most people do not feel safe getting home after a night out, and many actively change their behaviour because of it.

When it comes to transport, trains were the most common choice, followed by walking, buses and taxis. Smaller numbers rely on lifts from friends or family or drive themselves. This shows that for many, the journey home depends heavily on public transport or walking - two environments where safety concerns can feel heightened, especially late at night.

When asked what makes people feel less safe, the biggest concerns centred around being alone, poor lighting, and a lack of visible security or police presence. Many also raised concerns around harassment, intoxicated individuals, unfamiliar surroundings, transport delays, and phone battery or signal issues.

Perhaps most tellingly, more than three in four respondents said they have changed their route, transport, or plans because they felt unsafe. That’s a powerful indicator of how safety concerns directly shape real-world decisions.

To feel safer, most respondents said more visible security or police presence would improve their confidence, followed by more reliable transport and being able to travel with others. A smaller number recognised the value of digital safety tools and apps to support their journey home.

When it comes to staying safe, the most common behaviours included texting or calling when arriving home, sharing live location, staying on the phone during the journey, and travelling with others.

💡 Insight:

Getting home should be the end of the night - not the most stressful part of it. These findings show that safety concerns continue to shape how people move after dark, often forcing them to change plans, spend more money, or take extra precautions. Safety infrastructure, visible reassurance, and connected tools matter more than ever.