A common stressor to those travelling in unfamiliar neighborhoods or cities is not knowing how safe the area will be. Use the tips below to plan your trip ahead of time to alleviate some stress, especially if the area to which you are travelling has a reputation of being unsafe.
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Plan your route ahead of time. Use Google Maps, and if available, Street View within Google Maps to identify landmarks so you don’t miss turns and end up in the wrong part of town.
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Do not stop directly next to other vehicles at an intersection. Stop several feet back of other vehicles, so any potential shooters will have to aim back over their shoulders to fire at you.
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If possible, park your vehicle underneath a light source. It is harder to be ambushed at your vehicle when there is plenty of light.
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When walking down a sidewalk, distance yourself from doorways or alley entrances. This gives you more space to evade any attacker that may lunge out at you.
Additionally, situational awareness is probably the most important way to keep yourself safe. If you know you are in a bad area, keep a constant eye on your surroundings, particularly the people passing by, and how you would move should one suddenly attack.
Finally, if you follow these steps and still come under attack, your firearm is your last line of defense. If you have practiced well, you should be able to draw your firearm quickly and efficiently to protect yourself. As always, our safety training video is available for free, 24 hours a day, to learn or relearn skills that may save your life.
