Key Tips for Staying Safe at Night
The sad truth is that the world is not always as friendly as we would like it to be. Furthermore, bad people tend to be emboldened at night, especially when targeting women on their own. Here are some tips for protecting yourself when you're walking alone at night.
If Possible, Don't
The truth is that the best way to avoid incidents while walking alone at night is to not do it at all. If you have the option to walk with a friend, trusted companion, or a dog, do that instead. There really is safety in numbers.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
If you are heading somewhere on foot at night, make sure you absolutely know how to get there from where you are. Use your phone to map out the route ahead of time or a nearby computer to do it if your phone can't. Know the names of the streets, how far your location is from where you are, and how long you should expect the trip to take.
Make sure you walk with confidence and at a brisk pace. If you do get lost, do not wander around aimlessly. Go to the nearest well-lit business, like a gas station or fast-food restaurant, and ask for help. Knowing where the nearest open business locations are on your route should be part of your route-planning.
Finally, let a friend or family member know where you'll be and how long the walk should take, and tell them to expect a text when you arrive safely. This will help them know to be vigilant if it takes longer than expected to hear from you, which can make all the difference.
Stay in Well-Lit Areas
Don't go down dark alleys, streets with limited streetlights, or through areas like parking lots even if they may be "short-cuts." Stay on well-lit streets with more cars and foot traffic. Criminals will usually stick to the shadows to remain undetected and will generally not risk an attack with a lot of potential witnesses.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Unless you are checking your directions, keep your eyes off your phone. You want to keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious.
Similarly, do not use headphones while walking at night; you want to be able to hear anyone approaching you.
Keep Your Distance
If anyone approaches you, either by car or on foot, maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet. Don't allow strangers to come closer than that, and loudly ask them to stay away if they try to cross that boundary. If you feel threatened, leave the conversation immediately and head to the nearest safe location like a restaurant or a gas station.
Be Ready to Defend Yourself
This is not the time for high-heels, flip-flops, or slippers. Walk in sneakers, running shoes, or other shoes designed to help you move quickly. Running is always the best defense for getting away from dangerous people.
It is a good idea to have other deterrents on your person. A sturdy, heavy flashlight is a good choice. It can provide extra light when needed and can double as a weapon in a pinch. A whistle is always good for attracting attention to yourself if you feel threatened, and also to make a potential attacker uneasy. If it is legal in your state, mace or pepper spray is a non-lethal, but effective deterrent to attackers. In some cases, just seeing that you are armed with something to defend yourself could make the attacker think twice. Make sure you know how to use any of these before arming yourself with them.
Trust Your Gut
Don't second-guess yourself. If you feel like something weird or suspicious is happening, trust that instinct. Leave the situation immediately and go to the nearest open business or well-lit, well-populated area. If you need to, be ready to call a cab, a friend, family member, or even the police for help.
References: How to Protect Yourself While Walking at Night | WALKING ALONE? REMEMBER THESE 10 TIPS | 10 Key Tips For Staying Safe When Walking At Night | How to Walk Safely at Night
