20 Tips Shared By “Street Smart” People That Can Be Helpful At Times
Cities and jungles are not much different, apart from the latter being made of brick and concrete. They can be confusing to navigate at times, and they even have some threats lurking behind them. So it is useful to know some street “life hacks” to avoid being stuck in dangerous situations out there.
And that is exactly what the thread by the Reddit user LegalCriminal69 is all about. The OP asked people who are veterans about surviving in the streets and having a great awareness of identifying threats. Scroll below to see our compilation of the most useful responses that you can apply on your way home from work tomorrow.
More info: Reddit
#1
Walk with confidence, walk straight and SLIGHTLY faster than your normal pace
#2
Don’t talk to any strangers and don’t let them stop you on the street. Just keep walking.
#3
Nothing good comes from a stranger approaching you and saying “can I ask you a question?” – you’ll be locked into a long conversation that ends with a plea for money
#4
Grown men don’t ask women or children for help. They have an ulterior motive.
Grown men, if you happen to be the 1% that does approach women on the street for help, stop doing it and please stop acting surprised when we’re afraid of you. This is how we go missing.
#5
Don’t ever have your eyes looking down at the ground. Keep your eyes looking what’s in front of you and attentive to your surroundings.
#6
Know that criminals rely on their victims to be polite and not cause a scene or draw attention to themselves. When something happens to you, scream and shout. Make it known you’re in danger.
#7
If you’re in a big town or a city and a group of kids surround you, keep your hands in your pockets and don’t let them get behind you. Some will try to distract you while others pickpocket you.
#8
There’s more than one way to get home. If you see something shady going on on your normal route you’re better off taking the long way than getting involved with whatever is happening.
#9
Don’t cross a busy road 20ft from a crossing with a light. Live another day.
#10
If someone grabs you and starts walking you forcefully, collapse like dead weight don’t help them take you somewhere. Then scream bloody murder!
#11
Always act like you know where you are going.
#12
No shame in running away from a fight.
#13
You didn’t see anything. Keep moving.
#14
Use windows and mirrors to check behind you when you walk places. Takes less time than pulling out your phone and using the camera.
#15
Don’t ever let anybody take you to a secondary location.
#16
If you’re feeling uncomfortable or uneasy, trust it. Whenever I’ve felt uneasy while walking through my neighborhood I’ve always seen something or heard of something happening.
#17
Keep your wallet in your front pocket
#18
Never show fear or nervousness when you’re female and alone. If a man tries to draw you in, it sounds counter-intuitive, but you’re better off being friendly and in control than hostile.
“Hey hon! I am in a damn hurry – hope you’re good!” And laugh and walk faster as you wave and smile.
– woman who travels alone and has walked some scary places at 3am
#19
At any place where you’re stationary for a period of time (e.g. bus stop) assess the area and identify all possible escape routes. Also check if there’s anything nearby that you could use as a weapon to even the score. I often do the escape route thing if I’m in a waiting room like a doctors surgery, probably just because I get bored easily. I’m a people watcher too so I’m always aware of how many people are around and the energy each of them bring into the room.
#20
Don’t be the person to start a fight, it’s really not worth it
