How worried should we be?

[loulou57]

First I don't want this to get into a political issue!!

We don't camp south of the border. The last time we considered it was quite a few years ago. We were lost and got into an area in Syracuse NY where we got scared enough we turned around and headed home. We only stopped for gas and the border. We didn't make it to our campground in Pennsylvania.

We do travel into the US a lot, Michigan and Indiana. We have been told on various trips to assume everyone is carrying a gun and to be careful not to look at someone the wrong way.

Our friends daughter works for border security and said that a lot of people try to cross into Canada with loaded weapons either on them or in the vehicle. One family went into the wrong lane. They were not wanting to come across the border but had no where to turn around. They sent them back to the US. This family with small children had 6 loaded weapons. Each parent with 2 on their person and one on the floor of the vehicle and one in the stroller basket. This family were just out for the day to take their kids for a picnic.

Now, I ask because I am ignorant to all of this, just how worried should we be. I know there was a topic about protecting yourself while boondocking but I am petrified to even think of camping. I am anxious as soon as I cross the border.

I hate this feeling. I know that everyone is not out to shoot you but I can't shake it. On our last trip we saw people actually having a gun on them.

I understand we have more guns up here but unless you are hunting it is unlikely you own a gun. I know we have had issues with people here that have caused death and injury but I am not concerned that we may get shot on the street or camping.

Just how concerned should I be. What are the do's and don'ts to stay safe. I am sure I am asking a question that many would like to.

I want to be able to enjoy all of North America. There are so many great places and people to visit.

[Caveman_Charlie]

I hear about crime and guns on this site and others like it. But, in my area of SW MN we do not even lock our doors. I have gotten so I pull the keys out of my pickup when I park it but, that's about it.

I'm more worried about being arrested or given a big fine for something petty by our many police and lawyers more so then I'm worried about being a victim of any crime.

[colliehauler]

I have the same fear going to Mexico. I guess people have a fear of the unknown. Or having the fear of going to Florida and being stuck behind a senior driving 15 mph with there left blinker on for miles on end.:B

[Caveman_Charlie]

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
Come on folks, leave your sarcasm out of your fingers. This lady has a serious concern, to her at least, we should address it as such.
I lived in Canada for many years and understand her fear due to the honorable culture there, but can assure her that her family is as safe in the US as at home, if some precautions are taken. There are neighborhoods in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary,Vancouver I would not go into, the same as in any city any where else in the world. Theres guns and drug dealers. there too. You just dont see the guns until its too late.
Simply be observant, recognize when you are a'fish out of water'. New Orleans is an example. Such a fun city, culture, cuisine,history.
But I carry my wallet in my front pocket, do not wear a John Deere cap, never pull out a map in public as it may ' mark you'.
Most of all assure her that the guns she sees are there for hers and everyones protection, they are carried by responsible licensed people. , its the one hidden when there is no openly carried one to worry about.
Max

Why would you not want to wear a John Deere cap????

[happybooker1]

Lived in Texas all my life. Don't own a gun, a horse (but my sis has 2), a pair of cowboy boots, or a cowboy hat.

Never had a gun pulled on me, never been robbed (knock on wood), had a house broken in to once but we weren't home, never been involved in a violent crime (knock on wood!).

Oh, I've also traveled to Mexico NUMEROUS times, my parents owned a house in Guadalajara back in the '80's, I've been to islands in the Caribbean on cruises and explored the back country and never felt unsafe or uneasy.

That said, I wouldn't go anywhere if I had the level of anxiety you seem to about the USA and travel. My mental health wouldn't be worth it. Some people are "explorers" and some are "homebodies". Nothing wrong with either.

[Go_Dogs]

The trick is to NOT look like an easy mark. The bad guys want to hit the most vulnerable target. We travel with big, loud, dogs. We are very observant. Stay out of suspicious areas. Don't travel with valuables. Keep your phone in your pocket with a tracking app. Keep a fake set of keys in your pocket-throw them, run and scream if someone sticks you up. Keep a 5 dollar bill wrapped around newspaper-throw it, run and scream. Don't carry anything on you that someone can use against you. Don't carry a purse, camera case, or anything that someone can grab from behind. Don't leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
I don't care what country or planet you are traveling in- crime is everywhere. Don't be a target.

[lucy6194]

can't believe this guy. I grew up in Canada (Toronto) there are places today that I'm told you just don't go in that city. Live in the USA now and hubby and I have traveled all over in our 5th wheel. Have never felt threatened or afraid (well momma griz did cause a heart flutter). Yes we have guns (LOTS OF THEM)but never had to use them except for hunting. Maybe if more people were armed the "bad guys" would think twice before committing a crime!!! I'd love to go camping in Baja but not comfortable with the idea so will find another area to visit. Grow up people

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

fla-gypsy wrote:
Seriously? Where or how did you develop your understanding of what the US is like?

Think about what folks in other countries learn about us via the media..... if I thought that's what the real America was all about - I wouldn't visit here, either.

Eons ago, I worked at a Tack store (horse equipment) in Grand Rapids, MI. I can't tell you how many people would bring their out-of-country visiting relatives to our store - to buy "Cowboy Boots and Hats"!!!! Seriously - in western Michigan. But the relatives returning to their home countries wanted to look like they'd been to America - and so that's what they bought. In the eyes of our neighbors across-the-pond, we're just a bunch of cowboys.

[JUSTJOHN]

It is truly amazing how horror stories start. When you consider what is happening in other countries, both Canada and the USA are extremely safe countries to live in and as neighbors visit each other. Are there guns?, YES and are there criminals?, YES, but both Canada AND the USA enjoy freedom not found anywhere else in the FREE world. Please come and visit us in the USA. We are a fun loving group of humans and while we do have our crime we also have the best police force in the world. Let's make our Canadian friends feel welcomed and safe to visit all that we have to offer.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

loulou57 wrote:
I know that it is me and anxiety. I was raised in northern England in a small village and then moved here and have lived in the country all my life. I never saw a hand gun until 2 years ago in Michigan, ( except the guns in Syracuse) and I have grandchildren. I am sure once we get to know people personally my fears will leave.

I don't own a gun - but here's how I feel about them: as long as you stay out of the inner cities, the people who are carrying guns have taken classes on being safe and responsible. Yes, there are a lot of people carrying guns, and that's a good thing. The "bad guys" (seldom seen around RV locations) don't know if you have a gun or not. Might make them think twice about finding out?

My husband and I have been RVing for over 10 years - and I don't remember EVER feeling insecure - except in Canada. YOU have bears, and they don't have to take classes on being safe and responsible....LOL!!!!!!!

Please come visit us - you'll be quite safe!!

[Dog_Folks]

Some facts may help you decide:

Murder rate per 100,000 people:

EL Salvador---139.1 (Highest in the world)

Mexico--23.7

United States--4.7

Canada--1.6

U.K.--1.2

The rates of Canada and the U.S. are relatively low.

More information here: Murder Rates

Hope this helps.

[Ron3rd]

Loulou,
Guns are a very touchy subject in the US with a lot of different viewpoints. It's a very political issue with passionate debate on each side. Don't let that spoil a trip to the US. Like I said in my post above, guns are the last thing I think about and I never worry about encountering someone with a gun. I guess if someone pulls a gun on me, I'm really screwed because I don't carry a gun when I travel as I don't see the need for it.

It just never enters my mind. Good luck to you whatever you decide.

[loulou57]

I am going to end this conversation here.

I am sorry that some of you feel that I am stirring the pot so to say. I thought that since the topic had been mentioned before about safety camping or in general, I could address my fears with mature, non judgemental people.
I am sorry that I have been influenced by the media, movies, newspapers etc. I was even more concerned when I heard how many of you carry guns while camping.
I always thought the way to educate yourself about things, other countries, people and customs was to ask. I asked a simple question. You carry the guns, I thought you could answer my questions.

I thank those who have not judged me and have given me honest answers. I have been honest with you about my feelings and I have not bashed or been disrespectful to anyone. If you were offended by my question, I am sorry you feel that way.

If I have learned something it is that I now know better than to ask a question directly to the people involved, to get the answer from the horses mouth.

[traveylin]

Yesterday at the Rockport food market, which is always very crowded do to winter Texans this couple on large motor cycles from Ontario comes weaving through the pedestrian walkways and parks not in the car area but near the store entrance. They were not concerned about Texas concealed carry gun laws.

pops

[Ron3rd]

Loulou,
in 57 years I've never seen a person pull a gun in public or fire a gun in public. But it happens all the time in high crime areas. Canada has high crime areas too, just like the US. You know where they are and you avoid them. I do the same. the US is not perfect and neither is Canada. But guns are the last thing I think about. I own a couple guns but don't consider myself a gun rights advocate. I just never think about it. I just camp.