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Personal Security On the Road
Personal Security On the Road
It's normal to be nervous or fearful when you are walking or driving in an unfamiliar neighborhood that looks unsafe. Pay attention to your enviroment, be on guard and you can minimize the effect of an assault or attack.
When you are walking or running through an unfamiliar or dangerous neighborhood, pay attention to your surroundings. First of all, if you are on your own, do not enter an area where you are completely blocked from view of passing traffic or residential or business properties. If possible, walk or run with a partner; if you can't find a human partner, consider running with a big dog that will intimidate anyone tempted to try to assault you.
Taking personal safety classes will build your confidence and provide you with valuable self defensive techniques. Hopefully you will never be close enough to an assailant to exercise these techniques, but if the worst does happen, you will be glad you have valuable tools with which to fend off an attacker.
Carry a non-lethal defensive device, like pepper spray, with you when you walk or run. Remember, however, that you usually only get one chance to use a pepper spray with an attacker, and you must take care to prevent your assailant from taking possession of this device and using it against you. Make sure you are upwind from the person you are spraying. Take aim and press the nozzle hard and run as fast as you can once the grip loosens.
Some people carry a cell phone and then call a friend and talk to them while they're walking through an area they aren't comfortable in. The caller will describe exactly where they are, so if a potential attacker is listening, they may be deterred carrying out the crime.
A stun gun is another option to consider, but again you must do your best to have control of it. Use it decisively, making direct body contact with the electrical probes and don't hestitate. Then run when your assailant backs off. Carrying a gun while walking or running is risky business and is not advised. For one thing, you need a special license in most states to carry a gun as opposed to merely owning a gun. For another, if your attacker gets hold of the gun you are in a worse situation than with mere pepper spray.
A personal security device that many people carry is an alarm that makes a very high pitched loud squeal when the button on the alarm is pushed. If you are in an area that is surrounded by people then this can be extremely effective. Key chains with a small button that can send out an extremely loud, up to 125-decible screaming noise can attract attention for several hundred feet and can also temporarily put off the attacker from the noise itself. Many devices available at a personal security store can be carried in the pocket for quick access whenever the individual believes they are in a threatening situation.
A more basic personal security device that many people carry is a simple referee’s whistle. The disadvantage is that you don’t always have the time or ability to raise a whistle to your mouth while you are being attacked.
Keep your car doors locked at all times, whether you are driving, or parked anywhere, even parked in your own garage or on the street where you live. Don't open your door or window for anyone except a uniformed police officer or a close friend or family member whom you know well. If they have to shout to be heard through the glass, oh well...better safe than sorry. Look all around and under your car before getting in. Satellite assistance devices like OnStar are an excellent personal protection security aid. If you can afford it, get one of these devices.
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