Tips for Staying Safe at Night
Posted: June 21, 2019
When walking alone at night, it’s best to keep in mind a few precautions you can take to ensure your safety. Though it’s best to travel in numbers, sometimes a walk alone after dark is unavoidable.
Head Up
When walking alone at night, make sure to keep your head up and look forward. This will help you be alert and aware of your surroundings. Only make brief eye contact with others you don’t know.
To avoid seeming distracted, do not walk with your cell phone in your hand. If you do, it will become a distraction. Phones can cause you to be less aware of your surroundings and more vulnerable to surprise attacks.
If you ever feel unsafe while walking alone, call a friend or family member and talk with them until you arrive home. This way, someone knows where you are.
Avoid using headphones as well. These reduce your awareness of your surroundings, and you might not hear somebody approach you from behind until it's too late.
Plan Ahead
Make sure to plan your route in advance. This way, you will know exactly where you’re headed and will be able to show confidence in your stride. Walk at a steady, brisk pace and walk facing traffic to stay visible.
Hands Free
Except for a flashlight in dark areas, try to keep your hands free at all times. This way, you will be able to react if approached. Or, if you happen to trip and fall, you will be able to catch yourself by keeping your hands free.
Keep all of your personal items in one bag. This way, you can avoid having to carry multiple bags, as well as not having to stop and stumble through a bag for something you need – it can only be in one spot. If a dangerous situation arises, multiple bags will prevent you from being able to react quickly.
When walking at night, always use popular routes frequented by others that are well lit. This way, you decrease your chances of being alone while walking at night. Also, try to walk in familiar places where people know you, for example a familiar neighborhood. This way, if you feel in danger, you can always knock on a neighbor's door.
Avoid dark alleyways, corners and parking lots. Also, be aware and avoid walkways that have thick shrubbery, buildings, recesses, or other objects that can conceal people. Do not be tempted to take a shortcut through a dark alleyway or parking lot.
And one more important note. If you have training in Choi Kwang Do, remember you know how to defend yourself. But our goal always is to avoid confrontation.