So, April is almost over, and I’ve decided to end it on a safety tip. Last month at lunch, I had a conversation with my coworkers about safety. It made me sad to hear when one of the women mentioned how she can no longer go on runs in her neighborhood because someone was following her. It’s a shame that us women have to sacrifice simple pleasures like these due to the world we live in.
It got me thinking about my experience when I go out on walks and when I go skating. And while walking today after work, I was especially aware of my surroundings due to that very conversation. When the sun was beginning to set, it started to feel as though vampires were ready to come out and I needed to arm myself with more than just garlic. Paranoid much?
I credit myself for being especially vigilant at all times, yet always deep down aware of the numerous things that can go wrong. I thought about all the ideas throughout this year that I’ve come up with to stay safe. This especially comes to me while out on my skates as I’m triple aware of my surroundings due to the potential of, God forbid, being hit by a car, crashed into by a bicycle, or attacked by a dog. Of those three, I’ve experienced the latter. Thankfully, it was only a small dog, but nonetheless changed my experience on skates when I’m near dogs. They seem to think the sound of my wheels is a growl. There are many pitbulls in my area. Enough said.
The other situation I’ve encountered is almost being hit by bicycles, which puts me in a situation in which I’m always looking behind me. Bike owners here ride on the sidewalk, and who can blame them when there are no bike side roads and no one cares to follow the rules where there are. And finally, one situation set an alarm for me while walking.
While out for a walk, I followed a man walking his dog ahead of me, a truck pulled up beside me, and the driver offered me a ride, even going as far as opening his car door. It was a jarring moment. What was this man thinking? And so I think back and say to this man, wherever he is, “Why in the world would you think it’s okay to do drive up to a woman you don’t know?” This always reminds me of the importance of staying vigilant, even during routine activities. It made me reflect on the unpredictability of certain situations and the need to always be prepared.
With some time on my hands and the first glaze of my artwork drying, I found myself compelled to share the insights I’ve gained from both real life close-calls and those I’ve reflected on after watching true crime. Here are some practical safety measures I’ve learned along the way, each serving as a testament to the importance of staying informed and prepared in today’s world. These are my 13 Essential Safety Tips for Women on the Move.
- If you’re a woman traveling alone, consider booking your Airbnb or hotel reservation for two guests instead of one. The price usually remains the same, and it creates the impression that you’re not traveling solo, potentially reducing the risk of being targeted.
- Having learned martial arts at a young age, I’ve gained muscle memory that can be effective in self-defense. I highly recommend learning martial arts or taking self-defense classes. Even if you learned these skills a while ago and don’t consciously remember them, your subconscious will kick in when needed. Plus, you’ll find martial arts movies even more enjoyable!
- Carry mace with you at all times, whether you’re out alone or skating. It serves as protection against potential threats and even dog attacks. Dogs sometimes react aggressively to the sound of skates, so it’s best to keep a safe distance from them and any suspicious individuals, especially in groups.
- It may seem obvious, but avoid dark, isolated areas, especially after dark. Plan your outings before sunset and familiarize yourself with your surroundings to avoid looking like lost, especially when you’re a traveling tourist. Additionally, avoid staying out late at pubs to minimize risks.
- Before entering your vehicle, check the backseat from the outside, especially at night and when parked far away. It’s crucial to park in well-lit areas nearby and to lock your vehicle before leaving. These simple precautions can prevent potentially life-changing situations.
- When walking alone and approaching a blind corner, take a wider angle instead of going straight. This allows for better visibility and more warning time if someone is hiding around the corner. Extra warning time is invaluable, and it might just give you the chance to defend yourself if necessary.
- If you notice someone suspicious nearby, create the impression that someone is waiting for you by waving at an imaginary friend in the distance and exclaiming, “There you are!” This tactic may deter the individual from continuing to follow you. If you feel unsafe, head toward a populated area and contact the authorities immediately.
- Consider acting as if you’re live streaming your activities, especially if you’re using a visible camera like an Insta360 while skating. The presence of a camera can deter potential attackers or thieves who may think twice knowing they’re being recorded.
- When walking on the sidewalk and encountering a parked car, especially one with heavily tinted windows, avoid walking next to it. Cross to the other side of the street and continue toward your destination. This simple precaution reduces the risk of potential abduction or harm.
- Walk with confidence, keeping your head up and swinging your arms energetically. This projects an aura of assertiveness that may deter potential threats. Embrace your inner troublemaker and flaunt it proudly.
- Keep your ears open and refrain from drowning out surrounding sounds with music, especially while engaging in activities like skating. Awareness of your environment is crucial for detecting potential dangers and staying safe.
- Always inform someone of your whereabouts or keep your phone’s GPS on, especially when traveling alone. These measures ensure that someone knows your location at all times in case of an emergency.
- If possible, bring a dog or a friend for added security. If not, rely on your own vigilance and instincts to stay safe. Trust your instincts and prioritize your safety above all else.
In closing, I felt compelled to share these insights because safety is a priority for all of us. If even one person reads this and finds value in these tips, then it’s all been worth it. Let’s empower each other to stay safe and vigilant out there.
Safety doesn’t happen by accident.
