Humans are cautious creatures who avoid ending up in sketchy situations at all costs. But when you find yourself walking in a dimly lit alley or riding the subway late at night, you can’t help but feel your senses go on high alert, wondering about things that could potentially save your valuables or even your life.
Reddit user lofisky wanted to find out what they are, so they made a post on Ask Reddit: “People with ‘street smarts’, what is your most street tip?” Within just a few days, thousands of people took the opportunity to share their precious wisdom and help people ensure their safety even in the most dire situations.
Below, Bored Panda wrapped up some useful pieces of advice and put them all in one place for you to read. So take out your notebook, grab a pen, and write down a thing or two on how to protect yourself against threats. And if you still feel the need for some more street tips, take a look at our previous posts right here and here!
- Read More: People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being “Street Smart”, Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips
#1
The most practical self-defence item you can own is a very high-powered flashlight, especially one with a strobe function.
Drawing a weapon will always escalate a situation, and may cause any aggressor to fight with lethal force. You also cannot use a weapon pre-emptively except in very clear self-defense scenarios. You can’t shoot someone just because they look shifty. You also cannot legally carry them in many places.
None of this applies to a flashlight. You can legally and inconspicuously carry it anywhere. You can use it without provocation without legal or moral issue.
It is also highly effective. It is incredibly difficult to hit or stab someone who is shining a 1000 lumen strobe light in your face. It can be almost impossible to properly see where that person is, and it will be painful to even look at them.
As a bonus, flashlights are just super handy tools to have in day-to-day life.
#2
If you ever find yourself homeless in a big city but want to keep clean because of job/hygiene standards/whatever, look into gyms in the area. Many of them have very low-cost memberships or even free trials for a certain amount of time. Head on in, get your shower, brush your teeth, and get yourself all cleaned up.
Hope it helps anyone who needs it as much as it helped me.
Image credits: keldondonovan
#3
If you’re uncomfortable with your surroundings, leave.
Your unconscious is often more aware of your surroundings than you’d think. If something you can’t figure out is telling you to go, listen to it.
Image credits: Martin_Aurelius
#4
A red traffic light is just a “traffic suggestion” to some people.
Always keep an eye out at intersections for idiots running a red light.
#5
Always check the toilet paper roll before taking a dump.
Image credits: Additional_Energy_25
#6
Ladies, never leave your drink unattended and don’t accept drinks from strangers when you didn’t see the drink being made.
Image credits: watch_over_me
#7
If someone approaching you says “hey man, I ain’t gonna rob you” – they’re probably gonna try to rob you.
Image credits: ChefChopNSlice
#8
There is no shame in running away from a fight.
Image credits: SuvenPan
#9
Trust your gut. If anyone seems a little too friendly, get away ASAP.
Image credits: Spartan0618
#10
Lock your doors as soon as you’re in a car.
#11
Confirm the license plate and make sure you are getting in your proper Uber/Lyft.
Image credits: RooniesStepMom
#12
If someone is asking you for help, but you need to follow them around the corner to help them… don’t. Politely say you’re late to a meeting and keep walking.
Image credits: Dad_of_the_year
#13
Know where the exits are at all times.
Image credits: CptSmarty
#14
Men don’t ask women for help with moving or fixing things, they ask other men. If a man asks a woman for help moving something, he’s probably a creep & you should get out of there as quickly as possible.
#15
If you’re in the hood and you see kids playing outside, you’re probably safe. If there are a lot of people outside but no kids, be super cautious and walk with a purpose. If it’s empty or only teenagers/young adults, get out asap.
Image credits: DryBicycle
#16
If you ever get pulled over at night, immediately turn on all your lights inside your car. In my experience, it tends to relieve whatever tension the officer may have since they can see you a little bit more clearly. Plus it’s better than having a flashlight shined in your face.
#17
Always put something between yourself and the ground, even if it’s just a piece of cardboard. Especially on asphalt, it absorbs heat and it will feel like it’s sucking the life out of you
Image credits: Landminan
#18
If you see the car for too long and it’s bothering you? Do something. Spin that block. Drive illogically. If you spin that block, it will have to follow you in an illogical path. It takes a minute to do this and determine a tail. Don’t ever stop, just drive a longer and more illogical route to determine if you’re being followed. If you’re being followed? Don’t go home. Drive to a hospital ER entrance. There’s always security there. They’re used to crazy. And immediate medical attention if something is bad. And cameras. Lots of them. And all cops can get there without looking it up.
#19
You can get into a lot of places by holding a pizza.
Image credits: SK8PIE
#20
Never count your cash in public even if in singles.
Image credits: Key_Set_7249
#21
Your elbow is the strongest joint on your body… take advantage of it when you can.
Image credits: 1515jpeg
#22
Well, If you’re traveling, never randomly stop on the sidewalk to consult a map, or appear visibly lost. Duck into a coffee shop or something to orient yourself.
#23
If you see something potentially illegal going on don’t look directly at them. Especially if you know that you’re not going to be reporting it to the police.
Image credits: Chandlery
#24
If an attractive woman asks for directions, look for her partner behind you or going into your car to take what they can grab.
Typical vacation area scam.
Image credits: obxtalldude
#25
Always get the money upfront.
People who want to pay later probably won’t and then things can get messy.
Image credits: Scallywagstv2
#26
Exercise your legs. Although in a bad situation they’ll probably feel like wet noodles, if needed you’ll be able to run. It will also show in everyday life that you are capable of moving effortlessly. Most people are sluggish and it’s not hard to notice.
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Image credits: dranaei
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