People With “Street Smarts” Are Revealing Must-Know Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

A while back, we wrote a post where people with “street smarts” shared the everyday safety tips that could save your life. In the comments, seasoned travelers, people who live in cities, and other readers shared even more advice on how to handle dangerous situations, and it’s a must-read. Here’s what they had to say:

1.“If you see anything like a piece of paper or a note on your windshield, drive away first. Don’t stop to take it off — really, with anything put on your car. I once had someone tie a blanket around my back spare tire, and I drove away and unknotted it at home. Apparently, it can be a way to ‘mark’ someone for kidnapping, and they grab you while you’re removing the items from your car.”

—anniemh

2.“Smile and wave at someone in the distance, even if no one’s there, and pretend to be on the phone, saying, ‘I see you,’ if anyone is following you. They don’t want witnesses; they may leave you alone if you look like hard work to burgle.”

—crizzy444

3.“I was always taught that if I think I’m being followed while driving, to pull into a police station, a fire station, or even a bank if I was really desperate (since they have a million cameras).”

—adamfenton

4.“Looking like a tourist makes you a target — not even just for being robbed or mugged. I mean, the guys who grift with products (or even just people handing out flyers for, like, overpriced tour buses) don’t do it to locals because the locals know it’s a grift. Don’t be an obvious tourist. But also, don’t be paranoid; it’s a sure-fire way to clock you as a tourist if you believe whatever city you’re in is just the foulest den of inequity.”

“In NYC, tourists usually wait to cross the street for the light, read guidebooks on the sidewalk, are very obvious when they’re lost, walk slowly, gawk at buildings, and don’t move with the crowd. It’s very easy to spot a tourist in the city, and that makes them a target for grifters.”

—lobster_lemon_lime

5.“Predators pick up on energy, and if you have nervous, head-on-a-swivel energy, they’ll know. The first thing to do always is SCREAM — 99% of these are petty criminals who have no intentions of getting violent, so screaming will startle them, and they’ll run away. Even if they don’t run, the startling will give you time if you’re grabbed.”

“Also, on public transit, don’t carry a bunch of shoppers bags from expensive places.”

—youngchicken764

6.“Palms facing up, hands near your sides, no sudden movements, or big gestures to de-escalate. Keep your voice low and calm. Don’t argue back with a stranger. Just try to leave. And if something is escalating, then ask, ‘Do you know the time?’ or ‘Which way is X street?’ It will jolt someone out of their train of thought and distract them briefly.”

—crizzy444

7.“Never leave your drink alone. And never feel bad for calling someone out who’s being inappropriate with you, even if it means making a scene or ruining an event. If they won’t stop, then you get loud and make them stop. You’re worth it.”

—sleepingminion78

8.“Wear your bags crossbody with whatever is valuable in the pocket that’s easy to reach. You don’t want to fumble.”

—youngchicken764

9.“Solo female traveler here. It took me a while to learn it, and I’m still uncomfortable doing it because I was raised on the ‘be polite’ mentality…but…’Sometimes, you gotta be a b*tch.’ It’s okay to be rude, aloof, or unapproachable to keep yourself safe.”

—wanderingstorm

“I sort of hate it, but anytime I’m in a city, I try to put on a slightly grumpy face — not enough to look like a challenge to anyone, just enough to look like you don’t want to be bothered. If you look carefree and happy, hustlers are likelier to try you.”

—axj66

10.“You can wear your headphones and listen to music, but you should be able to hear what’s happening. Try snapping your fingers at arm’s length. You should be able to hear that. I mean, you also need to be able to hear oncoming traffic!”

—youngchicken764

11.“I worked security in Boston for many years, and these were some quick tips we had drilled into us that apply here: Especially at night, whenever possible, walk on the outside of the sidewalk away from the buildings; this helps prevent someone from grabbing you from an alley or doorway. Do not let people into your personal space; you do not want someone close enough to easily grab or assault you, so stay more than an arm’s length away.”

“It goes against the instinct of good people, but FORGET POLITENESS. Do not stop to hear someone’s story, no matter how harmless they seem. Better to be thought of as a jerk than to be a victim. (As mentioned in the article, if someone approaches you, say ‘no’ before they begin their pitch.) Tourists stop; seasoned locals have heard it all and do not. Do not walk around looking at your phone. Keep your head up and eyes open. Pay attention! Be safe, friends!”

—srandlett25

12.“Always walk on the side of oncoming traffic so cars can’t follow you. If you feel followed, cross the street and run in the opposite direction.”

—youngchicken764

13.“Leave your ‘tells’ at home. Jewelry, designer stuff, nice clothing, and even expensive-looking makeup. Sure, it’s meant to be worn, but for safety’s sake, do it on special occasions. Otherwise, you’re just advertising that you have something to take.”

—glitterysinger70

14.“Go with your gut. Your first instincts are usually the right ones. If it sounds fake, it is; if it sounds legit, it probably is, too.”

—maddi8889

15.“Don’t look at your phone. That’s literally when you’re most vulnerable.”

—youngchicken764

And finally…

16.“Don’t ever leave a single thing you wouldn’t want stolen out in plain view in your car. If you have to take it with you, put it in the trunk before you arrive wherever you are going. But if you cannot, or do not want to take said valuable item/s with you, hide it.”

—ronr78

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

What are some other “street tips” that more people should know? Share your thoughts in the comments. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can use the form below.