Editing Boston (section)

==Safety==
* '''For emergencies, dial 911''' from any telephone for police, medical, and fire services.

* Crime and other hazards in the Boston area are average for a major American city. Some parts ''extremely'' safe, and then there are some relatively dangerous parts of the city. Common precautions should be taken as in any major city, such as keeping your purses and bags in front of yourself, and your iPods and cellphones in your pockets while riding on a crowded train. Women should take care when walking through non-residential areas at night, and avoid doing so alone. Also, avoid crossing through public parks at night.

* Boston area car drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians have a reputation for being unpredictable, rude, and impatient in their sharing of the road. Pedestrians should use crosswalks and exercise considerable caution when crossing streets. Drivers may often speed up to beat (or even run) a red light. While Boston does not have [[:wikipedia:jaywalking|jaywalking]] tickets (a penalty for crossing the street outside of [[:wikipedia:Pedestrian_crossing|crosswalks]]), it is better to wait for the white "Walk" signal, rather than to assume cars will stop. Boston pedestrians often cross in front of traffic dangerously. Do not attempt to copy their unsafe habit! Don't assume because others are crossing that it is safe to do so, and double check before you cross. As one CSer put it, "Assume the drivers are ''trying'' to hit you..." Cycling is increasingly popular in Boston, and like drivers, Boston cyclists have a reputation for rudeness and aggression. The narrow streets of Boston make it difficult for cars, bikes, and pedestrians to coexist. Be aware of your surroundings and all other pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and even trams (the green line of the subway system runs above ground partially). 

*Some neighborhoods and nearby areas, such as Roxbury, Mattapan, Chelsea, certain areas of Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Charlestown, and South Boston all have streets and or sub-neighborhoods, with public housing projects, for example, that are more dangerous than average, and extra care should be taken. These areas are generally far from the main tourist paths, so you're unlikely to have a reason to visit them or end up there accidentally. However, that being said, avoid walking in these areas at night, if possible, and use common "city sense" in areas you're unfamiliar with.