No matter where you live or work, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when walking alone. Whether you’re in a busy urban area during the day or a more suburban area at night, here are some tips to help you stay safe while walking around a city:
Be extra cautious when crossing roads
The main danger in a busy city is traffic. For those who aren’t used to it, trying to navigate urban roads can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour. Even if you have the right of way, it’s always a good idea to be extra careful when using a pedestrian crossing. Pay attention to indicators and look out for cyclists, and look both ways before crossing, even if the light is in your favour.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,884 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2016. Of those, 70% were fatal pedestrian accidents in urban areas, so you can see the importance of being careful. If you’re involved in an accident, contact pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as you can to file for compensation.
Plan your route
When walking anywhere, it’s always a good idea to plan your route in advance. If possible, try to stick to well-lit, busy streets covered by CCTV. This will help you stay safe and visible, and also make it more difficult for someone to follow you without being noticed. If you get lost, find a public official, like a police officer or parking warden, and ask them for directions. They’ll be happy to help, and they’ll most likely give you the safest, simplest route. Try not to look at Google Maps too much as this will make it more obvious to people that you’re not sure where you are.
Walk with a friend
If you can, walk with a friend or co-worker. There’s safety in numbers, so you’ll be less likely to be targeted. Attackers always look for the most vulnerable, and they’ll be instantly put off if they think there could be a witness. A friend or co-worker can also shout or call for help if you get into trouble, and if your phone dies, you’ll have a backup if you both get lost. Plus, it’s always more fun to walk with someone else!
Be aware of your surroundings
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when walking alone. Trust your instincts if something feels off and be sure to keep your head up so you can see what’s coming – especially important when crossing a road. Wearing headphones can be a distraction, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. Similarly, taking pictures offers a great distraction for pick-pocketers in busy tourist areas, so if you’re taking photos as you walk, try to keep one eye looking around you at all times.
Keep your phone handy
Keeping your phone handy is a good idea in case you need to call emergency services. However, it’s important to not be too distracted by it. If you’re constantly looking down at your phone, you might not see someone coming up behind you or a car driving straight at you. Always charge your phone before heading out to ensure it doesn’t die just when you need it, but also remember that if your phone is dead, you can pretend to talk loudly to someone on it if you think you’re being followed. Stalkers hate witnesses and evidence, so if they think you’re on the phone, they’ll be put off.
Carry your bag close to your body
If you’re carrying a bag, be sure to keep it close to your body. This will help prevent someone from snatching it and also make it more difficult for them to reach into it without you noticing. Consider carrying it in front of you, or put a lock on the zip to make it more of a struggle to get into. Your bag can also act as a decoy, so you could put your most valuable items, such as your phone or bank card, in your sock or bra, leaving your bag essentially worthless if it’s stolen. Throwing your bag at a stalker also give you time to run – they’ll be distracted by your bag thinking it might have something valuable inside whilst you make a quick getaway.
What to do if you’re worried
If you start to feel worried or like you’re being followed, cross the street or walk into a public place. A bar or restaurant acts as great cover, and you can organise a taxi from there. You can also call emergency services from a public place if your phone is dead – most public places have an “ask for Angela” policy, so don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help if you need it.
Walking around the city can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe.
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