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30 People Share ‘Street Smart’ Tips That Can Save You In Dangerous Situations

How to survive the streets in 2021.

Published August 12, 2021

From time to time, people would learn new things on how to survive out there on the streets. It’s not as harsh as the jungle anymore, and law enforcement is working day in and day out to keep orders. But we are all still responsible for ensuring our own safety and others if possible.

A Reddit user asked people for some “street smart” tips that might help with staying safe while walking alone at night or losing your stalker. We’ve compiled the top 30 most useful, but you can definitely check out the thread for more tips.

1.

30 People Share 'Street Smart' Tips That Can Save You In Dangerous Situations

“If I’m in an unfamiliar city, I’ll explore freely every neighborhood as long as there are women and kids around. Most mums don’t hang outside with their kids if the street/area is unsafe. This worked very well for most throughout Latin America, Europe, and Asia.” – =Xiaozhu

2.

“Adults DO NOT ask children for help.” – ninten-dont

3.

“If the situation doesn’t feel right, it’s not right. Trust your spidey sense.” – E_911

4.

“If you’re driving and hit black ice just take foot OFF GAS BUT DON’T BRAKE until the slide stops.” – AltheaInLove

5.

“Look up and notice if street lights have been shot out or smashed. If so, avoid those areas at night – there’s a reason they’ve been disabled…” – Back2Bach

6.

“If a group of people suddenly get down, so do you.” – aardvarkheart

7.

“If you have a random cop come to your house on the night before you leave for Europe with your family, don’t tell him you’re going away until you call his superior to make sure he’s a cop.

Your welcome you filthy animals.” – Coughlan16

8.

“Having good manners, and speaking with respect, will keep you from getting in trouble you didn’t know was there.” – Sin117

9.

“Eye contact. A lone assailant will often use the element of surprise to their advantage. If you’re walking alone and someone is following you, make eye contact to let them know that you are aware of them. This will often dissuade them from attacking.

This tactic has worked for me in the past.” – MildlyobsessedwithSB

10.

“This reminds me of a comedian who was saying the best way to stay safe in a rough neighborhood is to fake a Russian accent cause Russians are terrifying.” – midnightsy

11.

“If you’re walking and someone approaches, don’t break stride. You can carry on a conversation while walking, but people who are looking to proselytize, sell you something, or mug you will want you to slow or stop to address them. If they want to chat, make them keep up with you. You can even tell them that you’re in a rush but would love to talk and walk.

They’ll likely find someone more stationary because if you can make a person slow, you can make them stop. If you can make them stop, you’ve already adjusted their priorities and placed yourself at the top.

It’s a subtle power game. Keep going where you’re going, and you retain your power. Stop and cat, and you’ve given it up and opened yourself to possible problems.” – Diablo165

12.

“Lock your doors as soon as you’re in your car.” – kothecat

13.

“Walk fast and look pissed off.” – Heroshade

14.

“Don’t tell even close friends the amount of money you have on you. I was set up by an 18-year-old female coworker this week. She seemed like a sweetheart and was giving me rides to work for a few days. I asked on Monday if we could go to the bank as I needed to cash a check for roughly $4500. Minutes after dropping me near house I was robbed at gunpoint of everything by 2 guys. They knew how much they were looking for.

The robber said he watched me leave the bank but the police saw on camera near home that they had been waiting for me for an hour. One of the robbers was her ex/current boyfriend it turns out.” – Geddysbass

15.

“If it sounds too good to be true it is.” – Dizzy_Amphibian

16.

“Always ask for only one scoop of ice cream first because they make single scoops bigger, then act like you changed your mind and ask for a second scoop. They will be pressured to match the size of the first scoop, providing you with a massive amount of ice cream.” – gustavoramosart

17.

“Never flash your whole wad of cash in a public place while paying for something. Keep a few bucks loose in one pocket for spending. Keep the majority of your cash in a separate pocket. Don’t open a wallet full of all your money where other people can see you.” – MrsDoctorSea

18.

“Wear shoes you can run the f**k away in.” – Crocutaborealis

19.

“Carry a fork with you. if someone approaches you, say “Lord, thank you for this meal I’m about to have” and charge at them with the fork.” – _HorseInTheHospital

20.

“If you are walking alone at night and you feel like you’re being watched/followed. Start talking to yourself… loudly about crazy sh**. Make it a conversation even.
“Omg, did you SEE her dress?”
“That dress was so crazy long. Like how could she walk? Let alone walk in that grocery store!!”
“And those cheap plastic shoes!!”
“I own those cheap plastic shoes!! Are you saying I’m cheap!!”
“If the cheap plastic shoe fits, honey!”

I’ll admit to doing this. I used to work graveyard shifts and you gotta be aware. Most people no matter how bad try to avoid crazy. Crazy will hurt you back.” – MissMurderpants

21.

“Street smarts to give your kids: if you get lost, find the closest adult with kids.

I saw this in action once at Disneyland when a 4-year-old kid approached me and my kiddos while we were eating. She joined us very calmly, introduced herself, and said her parents gave her the above advice. I heard her parents shouting her name not long after, and the relief on their faces was a sight.” – Aguacero7

22.

“If you are forced to walk through a bad/dangerous neighborhood, keep your chin up and maintain a confident and comfortable look on your face.

Nothing screams “abuse me!” more than an out-of-place person waking around with their chin down, looking at the sidewalk.

I learned this after visiting a new girlfriend many years ago in a bad section of Philly. I was walking down the street towards her house and a local female walking by me said, “Keep that chin up around here, white boy.” The more I considered that advice, the more logical it sounded.” – reality_beast

23.

“Let’s say a kidnapper throws you in the back of a trunk. Don’t panic! Once you get your bearings, find the carpet that covers the taillight. Peel back the carpet, make a fist, punch the taillight out the back of the car, thus creating a hole in the back of the automobile, then stick your little hand out and wave to oncoming motorists to let them know that something hinky is goin’ on.” – criuggn

24.

“You might be “correct” when you have the right of way, but you’re still the one that’s going to be dead when you get whacked by the car if you’re walking or on your bike.” – Dajerts

25.

“Don’t ever tell the cab driver you don’t know where you’re going.” – H0T-S0UP

26.

“Never post vacation information on social media until you’re back. You’ll most certainly get robbed at some point if you’re not smart about it.

Also, don’t put expensive product boxes (TV, computer, appliances) outside before trash day. People will see your new toys.” – acelkins720