Subway Napping: A Dangerous Slumber

Don't Sleep in the Subway is a song by Petula Clark, released in 1967, that discourages sleeping in the subway. The song's lyrics advise against storming out after an argument due to foolish pride, as doing so will lead to sleeping in undesirable places like the subway or standing in the pouring rain. While the song may serve as a warning, some people find napping on the subway convenient, energizing, and a great equalizer. In fact, in highly populated cities like New York, napping on the subway has become a common practice, with about 5% of subway riders asleep at any given time.

Sleeping on the subway can be unsafe

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" is a song by Petula Clark, released in 1967. While the song itself warns a sweetheart against storming out after an argument, the dangers of sleeping in the subway are very real and the song's message should not be taken lightly.

Furthermore, sleeping in the subway can put you in a vulnerable position. With your guard down, you become an easy target for criminals or predators. Your personal belongings may also be at risk of theft, as you may not be able to keep a close eye on them while sleeping. Additionally, subways are often located in busy areas with high foot traffic. Sleeping in such a public space can attract unwanted attention and make you a target for harassment or even physical harm.

Finally, sleeping in the subway can be dangerous in the event of an emergency. If there is a fire or some other kind of accident, you may not be able to react quickly enough if you are asleep. It is always safer to find a proper shelter or accommodation where you can rest comfortably and securely.

You might miss your stop

Falling asleep on the subway can be a risky business. Not only might you become a victim of crime, but you also risk missing your stop. This is a very common problem for those who fall asleep on the subway, and it can be a huge inconvenience, causing you to be late for work or other important appointments. It can also be dangerous, especially if you end up in an unfamiliar area late at night.

To avoid missing your stop, it's a good idea to stay alert and avoid sleeping on the subway altogether. If you're feeling tired, try to get some rest before your journey or, if possible, take a taxi or drive yourself to your destination. If you must take the subway, set an alarm on your phone or watch to wake you up shortly before your stop. You could also ask a fellow passenger to let you know when you're approaching your destination.

Another way to avoid missing your stop is to familiarise yourself with the subway route beforehand. That way, you'll know how many stops there are and be able to count them down as you go. You can also look out for signs in the subway car or at the station that indicate the upcoming stop. If you're particularly forgetful, you could write yourself a note or set a reminder on your phone to remember which stop is yours.

If you do happen to miss your stop, don't panic. Depending on the subway system you're using, you may be able to simply get off at the next station and catch the next train going in the opposite direction. Alternatively, you may need to ride the subway to the end of the line and then change direction. In any case, it's important to stay calm and be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're in an unfamiliar area.

You might get woken up by the police

"Don't Sleep in the Subway" is a song by Petula Clark, released in 1967. The song's lyrics include the line "Don't sleep in the subway, darling / Don't stand in the pouring rain". While the song is figurative in its message, sleeping in a subway is not advisable, and you may get woken up by the police.

Subways are public transport systems, and while they may seem like a convenient place to rest your head, they are not designed for sleeping. The authorities, including the police, often take a dim view of people sleeping in subways. The police have a duty to ensure the safety and security of the transport system, and a person sleeping in the subway may be considered a potential risk. They may be concerned about your wellbeing, or they may suspect you of being under the influence of substances or even committing a crime.

If you are sleeping in a subway, the police may approach and wake you up. They may ask you to move on or even escort you out of the station. In some cases, they may even issue you with a fine or a warning. While the police's primary concern is usually to ensure your safety and that of the travelling public, they also have the power to arrest you if they suspect any criminal activity.

To avoid any unpleasant encounters with the police, it is best to find a more suitable place to sleep. Shelters, hostels, or even a park bench are likely to be better options than a subway station. If you are travelling and need to rest, consider investing in a hotel or hostel for the night. Alternatively, if you are waiting for the subway to start running again, try to find a 24-hour café or a similar establishment where you can rest until the trains start running again.

You might get mugged

Mugging is a form of robbery, or theft by way of threatened or actual force. It is a crime of opportunity, and muggers will often choose targets based on specific criteria. According to convicted mugger David Solano, the ideal target is anyone who is alone. In fact, being alone was the most important factor when Solano selected his victims—more important than gender, age, or physical build.

Subway platforms, especially those near tunnel entrances, are a preferred venue for muggers. Tunnels provide a quick escape route, and victims are less likely to chase their attacker into a dark tunnel. If you find yourself alone on a subway platform or car, move to a more populated area. Think twice before getting on a train with only one other person, especially if they make you feel uneasy.

Muggers also tend to strike at night, from 6 pm through midnight and beyond, as long as it's dark. They are less likely to target people who appear to be heading to or from the gym, as people usually don't carry valuables when working out. Well-dressed people in designer clothing, on the other hand, are attractive targets, especially when they are alone and it's dark.

To avoid becoming a victim of mugging, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be wary of strangers asking for the time or directions, as these can be tactics to assess your worth as a target and to catch you off guard. Always try to stay in well-lit, populated areas, and if you are alone, keep a can of pepper spray in your hand as a deterrent.

If you do become the victim of a mugging, it is generally advised not to resist. Muggers are often desperate and may resort to violence if they feel their well-being is threatened. Comply with their demands, but try to get a good look at their face and clothing, and report the crime to the authorities as soon as possible.

You might get woken up by a robber

Sleeping on the subway is not advisable, as it can make you an easy target for robbers. There have been several reported incidents of theft on the subway, where unsuspecting passengers have been targeted while asleep. In one incident, a 22-year-old man was sprayed in the face with an irritant and robbed of his cellphone. In another incident, two thieves woke up a 70-year-old homeless man and demanded money. When he refused, they punched and kicked him, leaving him covered in blood, and took $95 from him.

These types of crimes are not uncommon, and there has been a spike in thefts targeting sleeping subway riders, according to NYPD Transit Chief Joe Fox. In April, there were 56 cases of sleeping passengers getting pickpocketed, and in May, a 50-crime hike in major felonies compared to the previous year was attributed to a rise in thefts targeting sleeping passengers.

The subway is not a safe place to sleep, as it can make you vulnerable to robbery and other crimes. It is important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings to protect yourself and your belongings. If you feel tired, it is better to find a safe place to rest or wait until you reach your destination.

While it may be tempting to catch up on sleep during your commute, it is important to prioritize your safety and find alternative ways to rest if needed. Additionally, you can take precautions such as keeping your valuables secure and out of sight, and being vigilant of your surroundings to lower the chances of being targeted. By staying alert and aware, you can help keep yourself safe and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft or robbery on the subway.

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