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People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being “Street Smart”, Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips
Humans are cautious creatures who avoid ending up in sketchy situations at all costs. But when you find yourself walking in a dimly lit alley or riding the subway late at night, you can't help but feel your senses go on high alert, wondering about things that could potentially save your valuables or even your life.
Reddit user lofisky wanted to find out what they are, so they made a post on Ask Reddit: "People with 'street smarts', what is your most street tip?" Within just a few days, thousands of people took the opportunity to share their precious wisdom and help people ensure their safety even in the most dire situations.
Below, Bored Panda wrapped up some useful pieces of advice and put them all in one place for you to read. So take out your notebook, grab a pen, and write down a thing or two on how to protect yourself against threats. And if you still feel the need for some more street tips, take a look at our previous posts right here and here!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The most practical self-defence item you can own is a very high-powered flashlight, especially one with a strobe function.
Drawing a weapon will always escalate a situation, and may cause any aggressor to fight with lethal force. You also cannot use a weapon pre-emptively except in very clear self-defense scenarios. You can't shoot someone just because they look shifty. You also cannot legally carry them in many places.
None of this applies to a flashlight. You can legally and inconspicuously carry it anywhere. You can use it without provocation without legal or moral issue.
It is also highly effective. It is incredibly difficult to hit or stab someone who is shining a 1000 lumen strobe light in your face. It can be almost impossible to properly see where that person is, and it will be painful to even look at them.
As a bonus, flashlights are just super handy tools to have in day-to-day life.
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
4 D cell Maglites are incredibly tough bits of kit. If you have to use it as a weapon they are heavy because of the batteries and made of aluminium so they don’t bend, you don’t get up in a hurry after someone has accidentally hit you with one. For information purposes obviously 😜 Don’t hit people mmm’kay?
RELATED:
#2
If you ever find yourself homeless in a big city but want to keep clean because of job/hygiene standards/whatever, look into gyms in the area. Many of them have very low-cost memberships or even free trials for a certain amount of time. Head on in, get your shower, brush your teeth, and get yourself all cleaned up.
Hope it helps anyone who needs it as much as it helped me.
Andy Acceber 2 years ago
Ditto community centers, YMCAs, public college rec centers, etc. Gyms don't have to exclusively be fancy places that require a membership. Lots of the more public options offer cheap day passes.
#3
If you're uncomfortable with your surroundings, leave.
Your unconscious is often more aware of your surroundings than you'd think. If something you can't figure out is telling you to go, listen to it.
We managed to get in touch with the creator of this thread, lofisky, who was kind enough to have a little chat with us. The user told Bored Panda they often post random questions on Ask Reddit to simply discover new things. This time, they were curious to learn about different tips that could potentially help in a tough situation.
Well, it’s better to be safe than sorry, isn’t it? That’s why so many people seem eager to discover as many helpful tidbits of information as they possibly can. Like being confident and pretending to always be aware of where you're going. Or making sure you know where the exit is at all times. And let’s not forget about confirming the license plate before getting on your ride.
#4
Always look like you know where you're going, even when you don't.
Andy Acceber 2 years ago
It's amazing what projecting the right amount of confidence can get you. I used to work at a bar. I wouldn't have admitted it then, but I carded way more based on someone's confidence than on how old they looked. I suck at estimating ages. If you hemmed and hawwed when deciding on a drink, asked a dumb question, acted jittery, or had too much bravado, I would have carded you. If you were confident but not overly so and had a normal conversation, I probably wouldn't have asked for ID.
#5
If you are feeling unsafe, find the biggest friendliest person and act like you know them, chances are they will understand, help you out and you'll end up making a friend.
Had a group of young men once nod in a targeting manner towards me in a dangerous subway station in SF, the big dude I sat next to, and acted like I knew, was understanding when I explained why I was sitting next to him, we ended up chatting during the subway ride too. Very cool guy.
#6
A red traffic light is just a "traffic suggestion" to some people.
Always keep an eye out at intersections for idiots running a red light.
As of today, the thread has amassed more than 59.6K upvotes and 28.6K comments. Plenty of Redditors with "street smarts" shared their precious insights on how to survive in the urban jungle. "I didn’t expect that much attention at all! I’m very glad that so many people took the time to answer my question," the user said.
"I learned that it’s important to be knowledgeable and always be ready for any unexpected situations that may occur at any given time. It was interesting to see what advice different people have to give."
#7
If someone asks you for help. Like 'my car won't start' or, really anything. Don't help them but offer to call someone for them.
I learned this ~10 years ago. I had to do a thing in the bad side of town once a week early in the morning. I would get there ~5:00 a.m., they opened at 6:00 but I wanted to get in and out and leave.
There were a few other regulars at that time for the same reason. One I befriended was a lady named Kim.
We were both there one morning. A couple of guys pulled up in their car ~100' from us. They got out, lifted the hood made some noise, called us over to help them. They were having car troubles.
Kim told me to stay where I was, I shrugged and said 'OK'. She walks over, they talk a few minutes, they drive off and she comes back.
Kim says "They didn't have car trouble, they were going to rob us".
I say "Seriously? No s**t. Why did they drive off then"?
Kim says "I showed them the gun in my hand". Then she showed me the gun in her hand.
I said "Oh. OK"
LagoonaBlueColleen 2 years ago
I would say trust your gut and know the area. I live in a region where it's common for people to break down and all they need is jumper cables. Someone is usually willing to help because that's what we do. We don't want to hear of someone freezing to death waiting for help for what could be way too long in our climate.
#9
Ladies, never leave your drink unattended and don't accept drinks from strangers when you didn't see the drink being made.
LagoonaBlueColleen 2 years ago
Some establishments don't let you take your drink to the washroom. You can leave it with the servers and they'll keep it safe behind the counter.
This thread serves as proof that some people have minds full of knowledge on how to survive and stay safe while living an urban life. So if you’re living in a quiet and calm neighborhood or come from a distant suburb, there are certain things you need to learn to avoid getting scammed (or worse!) out there in the real world.
According to lofisky, everyone should have a fraction of such knowledge. "I believe having at least a decent amount of 'street smarts' is essential, so you are prepared for any unexpected events that happen in life, and know how to handle potentially dangerous situations."
#10
If someone approaching you says “hey man, I ain’t gonna rob you” - they’re probably gonna try to rob you.
#12
If someone starts to loudly state that they’ve lost their wallet or phone, don’t obviously or immediately go to check on yours in your bag or pocket. It’s a common pickpocket technique to get people to show the pickpockets where their stuff is.
Chris Jones 2 years ago
Or better, sadly, they say they have FOUND a wallet or phone and so you check.
#13
Trust your gut. If anyone seems a little too friendly, get away ASAP.
lenka 2 years ago
Always trust you instincts. This should be number one. Your subconscious picks up hundreds of cues and notices things that you don't consciously take in but which result in a feeling of unease - even if you have no idea why. You may never figure out the 'why' but trusting your instincts and perhaps feeling a little silly for it is way better than potential alternatives.
When asked why so many people are always ready to give safety advice, the user believes that most have answered the question through their own backgrounds. They seem to know when to avoid potentially negative situations that even with a favorable outcome might have alarming consequences.
A streetwise person can read between the lines, they know who you can trust, are skilled in the art of self-defense, and have a perfectly working inner BS radar. "Perhaps they have been through tough times in life and have enough life experience to share their advice with everyone else," lofisky added.
#14
Lock your doors as soon as you’re in a car.
Warren Fletcher 2 years ago
It's great when cars automatically unlock when you put them in park. Like, could you not? You don't know what kind of area I'm in!
#15
Confirm the license plate and make sure you are getting in your proper Uber/Lyft.
LagoonaBlueColleen 2 years ago
This is a good idea for taxis, too. The license plate and cab number. Get their name, too.
#16
If someone is asking you for help, but you need to follow them around the corner to help them... don't. Politely say you're late to a meeting and keep walking.
Ally MacMann 2 years ago
I don't even think you need to (or should) make excuses. A polite but confident "No. I won't do that" would probably work just as well.
The creator of this thread would like to advise you to stay curious. "It’s important to listen to everyone, whoever they are, good or bad. You can always learn from them. Even if it’s just social media like Reddit, never stop learning something new," they concluded.
#18
Men don't ask women for help with moving or fixing things, they ask other men. If a man asks a woman for help moving something, he's probably a creep & you should get out of there as quickly as possible.
#19
If you're in the hood and you see kids playing outside, you're probably safe. If there are a lot of people outside but no kids, be super cautious and walk with a purpose. If it's empty or only teenagers/young adults, get out asap.
Robert Hernandez 2 years ago
If you're in the hood wouldn't you know this? I know my city and have never said "Damn where am I, oh s**t...I'm in the hood"
#20
If you ever get pulled over at night, immediately turn on all your lights inside your car. In my experience, it tends to relieve whatever tension the officer may have since they can see you a little bit more clearly. Plus it's better than having a flashlight shined in your face.
Scott Kelly 2 years ago
And roll all of your windows down! It shows you have nothing to hide. This goes for any time of the day.
#21
Always put something between yourself and the ground, even if it's just a piece of cardboard. Especially on asphalt, it absorbs heat and it will feel like it's sucking the life out of you
#22
If you see the car for too long and it’s bothering you? Do something. Spin that block. Drive illogically. If you spin that block, it will have to follow you in an illogical path. It takes a minute to do this and determine a tail. Don’t ever stop, just drive a longer and more illogical route to determine if you’re being followed. If you’re being followed? Don’t go home. Drive to a hospital ER entrance. There’s always security there. They’re used to crazy. And immediate medical attention if something is bad. And cameras. Lots of them. And all cops can get there without looking it up.
LagoonaBlueColleen 2 years ago (edited)
Police stations is a better idea than going to the emergency department where they have real medical emergency to focus on. You can even go to a convenience store, like 7/11. Since they're prone to crimes I'm pretty sure they have police services on speed dial. They also have a lot of cameras, lights and police typically know where they are, too.
#24
Never count your cash in public even if in singles.
#25
Your elbow is the strongest joint on your body… take advantage of it when you can.
Austin Hicks 2 years ago (edited)
It only takes about 5lbs of pressure on someone's neck to make them go unconscious, which only takes about 8 seconds, and your elbow can easily apply over 70lbs of pressure with the right hold.
#26
Well, If you're traveling, never randomly stop on the sidewalk to consult a map, or appear visibly lost. Duck into a coffee shop or something to orient yourself.
#27
If you see something potentially illegal going on don't look directly at them. Especially if you know that you're not going to be reporting it to the police.
LagoonaBlueColleen 2 years ago
If you see someone who's watching you and you notice them, and then they say "Can I help you?" with a grin, don't stop or say anything. Just keep going and when you're out of sight report it to police non-emergency. It's much easier to talk to non-emergency police, especially if the information is vague or unsure.
#28
If an attractive woman asks for directions, look for her partner behind you or going into your car to take what they can grab.
Typical vacation area scam.
Pumpkin Spice 2 years ago
My bisexual self and my pansexual girlfriend knowing that we aren't immune to scams: oh no. My aro friends: oh yes.
#29
Always get the money upfront.
People who want to pay later probably won't and then things can get messy.
LagoonaBlueColleen 2 years ago
Get them to pay half now and half later. At least they'll have something invested and if they're not satisfied with the outcome you can leave it as a half off discount and try again, if they want you to.
#30
Exercise your legs. Although in a bad situation they'll probably feel like wet noodles, if needed you'll be able to run. It will also show in everyday life that you are capable of moving effortlessly. Most people are sluggish and it's not hard to notice.
What do you think ?
The Scout 2 years ago
This whole post sets a very dark tone - maybe I am unable to relate because of my "sheltered life" in european suburbs, where nobody carries a gun and crime is on the lowest level since decades. But as paranoid as some of these hacks sound, I understand that they might be necessary in an American context. The yearly murder rate of the USA is a bit over 5 out of 100 000 people, while the same figure for Germany is 0.7. Also gang crime (gangs at all, actually) is basically non-existent here.
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
Hey guys and gals, I find living in a society that’s not straight out of Mad Max is pretty calm. My town (Buxton, Derbyshire) is very tame, there’s a few loons who partake of a bit too much booze of a Friday night and there’s an estate that you’ll do well to avoid wandering around aimlessly after dark but seriously, most humans aren’t hell bent on fighting, mugging, attacking or stealing your car from you. Be more aware of your surroundings and don’t panic about making you life about living in fear, it’ll only drag you down.
A Jones 2 years ago
Yeah, that's true. Not many peeps want to risk getting into a tumble with a stranger. I agree these are good tips to be mindful of, like being aware of where the exit sign is in a building.
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Becky Samuel 2 years ago
It's called the real world. Most people will end up being the victim of some form of property crime in their life, somewhat fewer a violent crime, but life is never wuite the same afterwards.
Load More Replies...
The Scout 2 years ago
This whole post sets a very dark tone - maybe I am unable to relate because of my "sheltered life" in european suburbs, where nobody carries a gun and crime is on the lowest level since decades. But as paranoid as some of these hacks sound, I understand that they might be necessary in an American context. The yearly murder rate of the USA is a bit over 5 out of 100 000 people, while the same figure for Germany is 0.7. Also gang crime (gangs at all, actually) is basically non-existent here.
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
Hey guys and gals, I find living in a society that’s not straight out of Mad Max is pretty calm. My town (Buxton, Derbyshire) is very tame, there’s a few loons who partake of a bit too much booze of a Friday night and there’s an estate that you’ll do well to avoid wandering around aimlessly after dark but seriously, most humans aren’t hell bent on fighting, mugging, attacking or stealing your car from you. Be more aware of your surroundings and don’t panic about making you life about living in fear, it’ll only drag you down.
A Jones 2 years ago
Yeah, that's true. Not many peeps want to risk getting into a tumble with a stranger. I agree these are good tips to be mindful of, like being aware of where the exit sign is in a building.
Load More Replies... Becky Samuel 2 years ago
It's called the real world. Most people will end up being the victim of some form of property crime in their life, somewhat fewer a violent crime, but life is never wuite the same afterwards.
Load More Replies... Related on Bored Panda
