The common sense approach is apparent when you party, because the very nature of enjoying yourself may very well involve the consumption of alcohol, and traveling to or from, pubs, clubs and other places of entertainment, away from the safety of home, and in a city centre or town environment.

Basic rules apply:

Think about things before you go out and become aware of the pitfalls of becoming isolated. It is best to go out with a group of friends, some of which will stay sober and more aware of any potential dangers, who can look out for the group and make constructive decisions, should they become necessary.

Plan the travel arrangements and make sure that you know how you're getting there and most of all how you are getting home. You may consider telling someone trust worthy your arrangements and what time you are getting back, but don't forget to update if anything changes.

Take with you the essentials, apart from your mobile, enough money to get a taxi home if you need too, and be aware of personal alarms and safety items.

If you can make sure you stay together and walk with each other to bus tops, car parks and taxi ranks, making sure that you don't wait alone or leave any of you friends alone or isolated.

Think constructively about where you are going avoiding potential ‘bad areas' and always walk where there is street lighting where motorists and other people can see you. Sit in the front of the bus or sit in train carriages where there are other people or guards. Take note of who gets on and off with you. If you feel unsafe, walk towards other people or to where you can get help. If your safety is threatened on train, or bus, don't be afraid to press the stop/emergency button or contact the security guard or driver.

The most important thing is to be aware whilst you are out, both for yourself and your friends, and take note of our section on drink spiking and alcohol. If one of your friends is going home with someone they don't know make sure that they are fully aware of the situation and are not so intoxicated as to not be able to make a constructive decision. Make sure that they have got access to a telephone and that they are safe.

If you use taxi's make sure that you book them so that you aren't waiting around in potential ‘hotspots', there is a record of any journey you make, and you avoid picking up a rogue taxi. If you are traveling alone make sure that you sit in the back seat, on the drivers side, so that you have time to get out should anything happen on your journey. If you have to hail a cab make sure you know which company it belongs to and if possible make a note of its number.

It is best to follow your instincts and listen to the alarm bells. If you feel unsafe with someone or one of your friends is having a problem, walk away from the situation, it is far better to live to fight another day. Likewise if one of your friends is being out of order, tell them to stop; they are far more likely to listen to you, and you will prevent an unwanted confrontation.

The most important thing is to be see what is going on, plan what you are going to do and watch out for each other, 99 times out of 100, everything will go according to plan. Make sure on the one occasion you are prepared.