People Are Sharing 'Street Smart' Tips That Everyone Should Learn (20 Answers)

No matter how many textbooks you read or lectures you attend, school simply can't prepare you for the reality of the mean streets. Lucky for you, however, there are people out there who are willing to share their firsthand experience, and their tips might one day help you get out of a sticky situation unharmed. A few days ago, one Reddit user asked people the best 'street smart' tips they have, and received numerous useful answers. Check out some of the best ones in the gallery below - you never know when you might need them!

#1

Image source: inkseep1 If you get arrested, shut the f**k up. Ask for a lawyer, and then shut the f**k up. And when a lawyer shows up, shut the f**k up

#2

Image source: usually_just_lurking Trust your gut. Your subconscious can notice details your conscious mind doesn’t. Don’t be afraid of making a scene to keep yourself safe

#3

Image source: kannakantplay Always walk on the side of the road that opposes traffic. This puts distance between you and a car that might be trying to follow you

#4

Image source:  boyfromcountyhell If you feel things are about to take a turn for the worse, leave.

#5

Image source: jjb8712 Use windows as mirrors to see your blind spots or to check behind you. Literally every window you walk past, you should take a quick glance to know what’s going on in your blind spots. You can almost completely get rid of blind spots altogether because of windows.

#6

Image source: tommytster Basically, just be aware of your surroundings. A lack of situational awareness can lead to some bad things.

#7

Image source: UnicornPanties I am female, these are tips to make you appear stronger as a female on the street (walking home, nighttime subway, etc): If you think you are being followed or if you hear somebody behind you - feel free to turn around and look directly at them because it shows you are not afraid to be aware of your surroundings. By the same measure, don't be afraid (generally) to meet people's eyes. Not in a confrontational "yeah? WHAT!?" sort of way, but in a "I am seeing the people in my world" sort of engaged and aware way. This shows you do not fear engaging your surroundings. Again - this is to show you are capable, this is not to provoke or antagonize - that's a different, defensive posture.

#8

Image source: rip_andtear Don't walk into the street texting, tweeting, meme-ing, etc. I've seen people walking straight into traffic because of this

#9

Image source: rusty_L_shackleford Seriously, you should swing wide around corners, it’s no joke. Five or six ago, I was walking home from the bar. I lived two blocks away. At the time, I was 6'1" and probably weighed 280 pounds. I came around the corner about halfway home and BOOM, I went down. Some kid that didn't even look 18 nailed me in the face with a skateboard. I went down so fast and didn't even know what hit me

#10

Image source: NicNac_PattyMac Do not engage with crazy. If they address you directly, still don’t engage

#11

Image source: Spook_Fuzz If someone is attempting to take you to a secondary location by car or something, fight like your life depends on it, because it does. Poke their eyes out. Punch them in the testicles. Bite them, scratch them, anything you can think of, do it to get yourself free. There are no rules when it comes to this situation. Some specific things you can do are screaming 'Fire!' Or 'Help my child!' This will catch more attention than just plain 'Help.'

#12

Image source:  NicNac_PattyMac Cops will take the side of anyone that speaks calmly every time no matter the circumstances

#13

Image source: LinuxPariah DO NOT WEAR HEADPHONES!!! You make yourself an easy target by making it so even the most clod footed mugger can sneak up on you.

#14

Image source: AgnosticPrankster Walk confident on the street. Thieves often target people who lack confidence, appear nervous or walk irregularly.

#15

Image source: jannabanandroid Shadows can also be useful to pay attention to when you’re trying to peek behind you or see if there’s someone around a corner

#16

Image source: NicNac_PattyMac Be weary of women who approach you at a bar and immediately try and get you to go to another bar. Those people are called “pullers” and they are paid to do it.

#17

Image source: NicNac_PattyMac If you are a woman in a public place a guy is giving you the creeps walk up to a big dude and just go “John! I can’t believe it’s you!” Then go into a hug and say “let me sit next to you, please.” Most guys will get what’s going on and go with it and the chances that they themselves are creeps are slim.

#18

Image source: myhamsterisajerk When you're at a bus or train stop at night, with nobody else around, and you hear young guys talking where you know they go in your direction, quickly disappear before you get in their sight. They may be harmless, but as long as the probability they want to start [things] as soon as they notice you is there, don't take a risk. Learned that the hard way several times.

#19

Image source: BodySnag If you drive an SUV and you're in a parking lot, beware if you get in and notice there's a flyer under the small wiper on your back window. Many people get in and look in the rear view mirror as they start to back out; that's when they see the flyer blocking their view. They pop out to grab it, leaving the engine on and the door open for the second it takes, and that's when someone jumps in and car jacks you.

#20

Image source: notthesedays Always get your keys out before you leave a building to go to your car, and have them in hand as you exit it before you go into your house. Not only are they a great weapon if needed, but you aren't distracted while searching for them.