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Walking home at night can be a frightening experience for some. While remaining optimistic is always good, we need to face the reality that dangers do exist and we need to protect ourselves. This article will teach you how to safely walk home at night.
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Tips
- Try not to walk when possible
- Bring a fiend or a large dog
- Carry a cellphone, Pretend to talk on it.
- Carry a weapon (or makeshift weapon) - pepper spray, keys, etc
- Don't enter your house when people are watching
- Stay in well-lit areas
- Avoid walking on the road
- Ask your bus driver for a stop directly outside your house
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Step 1: Avoid Walking Where Possible
Whenever possible, it is best to avoid walking home at night. There are lots of alternate options, especially if you live in a city.- Drive - This allows you to travel directly to your destination quickly, with no stops. Please remember to avoid driving when impaired.
- Take public transportation - Though the bus stop may not be directly in front of your house, politely ask the driver to make an extra stop at your door or nearest corner. Public transit in many cities offer this service after dark, though they don't advertise it, so don't be afraid to inquire. Even when the service is not in place, many drivers will oblige a request for an extra stop.
- Take a taxi - Though not the cheapest solution, it is certainly worth the cost if it can save your life. Plus, just think how much faster you'll be home in bed.
- Get a ride with a friend - Don't hesitate to call a friend or family member for a ride. Make sure to thank them!
Step 2: Pick Your Route Carefully
Picking your route is an important part of making it home safely.- Choose busy streets - Potential predators will be more likely to avoid you when there are lots of people around. More people watching means they are more likely to get caught, and it's more of a risk for them. If you need to make your route longer to stay on the busier streets, do so.
- Avoid deserted areas - Such as empty side streets or shortcuts through parks. If something happens here, no one will be around to see and report it.
- Stay in well lit areas - Everyone can see what is going on in a well-lit area, which is bad news for a predator.
- Avoid the known "bad" areas - If there are areas of your town or city that are known for other crimes, it is best to avoid them. While crimes can happen anywhere, places that host repeat crimes will often see more.
Step 3: Protect Yourself While in Transit
It is a great idea to carry some form of self-defense in the case an attack does happen.- Take a self-defense course - A good base in correct techniques can go a long way, as it needs nothing and can be performed at any time. Many places such as the YMCA offer these courses.
- Carry a weapon - Pepper spray is one of the best weapons a person can carry. It's easy to use, cheap, and doesn't require a license. Often marketed as "dog spray" or "bear spray", check your local hunting supply store to find this product.
- Make the best of your punches - Not everyone has enough body strength to do real damage in the case of an attack, so you may need to add an extra element. Heavy rings can make a great accessory - just pop them on before you leave. A similar option is to use your keys. Your going to need them to get into your house anyways, so simply hold your keys with one poking out between each finger.
- Pretend you are on your cellphone - When you believe someone may be watching or following you, pull out your cellphone and place a call; if not a real call, a pretend call. Criminals often avoid those on cellphones, as the person on the other end is going to be instantly alerted in the case of a struggle.
- Bring your dog - A potential predator will be more likely to avoid you if you have a dog, as dogs can be very territorial when their owner is in trouble.
Step 4: Other Methods of Protection
- Walk with a friend - When possible, bring a friend or several friends with you. More people are more difficult to overpower, and predators are likely to simply ignore them
- Jog home - Bring a pair of shorts and jog home. Moving quickly makes you more difficult to approach
- Stay overnight - When possible, stay overnight and travel in the morning light.
- Be aware of your surroundings - Make it visible that you are aware of your surrounding and what is happening.
- Don't bring the iPod - Listening to an iPod or other music player shows you are not paying attention to your surroundings which makes you an easy target.
- Place yourself correctly on the sidewalk - When walking on the sidewalk, be aware of where you place yourself. You don't want to be too close to the road, as you may become a target for drunk drivers. Also avoid walking too close to any bushes on the far side of the sidewalk. This is a great hiding spot for not only predators, but animals as well. Walk on the boulevard if the sidewalk is too close to a covered area.
- Ensure you aren't being watched - There is no worse feeling that being watched as you approach your house. If you believe someone is following or watching you, detour by walking past your house without a glance and doubling back, or heading to a corner store. Don't enter your house when someone is watching.
- Check in when you arrive home - Agree with a friend that you will call when you arrive home. Also set a time limit, slightly longer than it should take you to walk home. If your friend does not receive the call within the given time limit, instruct them to call you. In the case of no answer, instruct them to call the cops. Remember to explain your route to your friend so they know where you may have been if you go missing.
- Don't be afraid to call the cops - If you are worried you are being followed, don't hesitate to call the cops. Often they will simply circle your area to keep an eye on you, or they may interrogate the person in question.
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I Am Scared to Walk Home Alone At Night | An Anonymous Group with ...
Are You Scared To Walk Home Alone At Night? Join an anonymous group with personal stories, support group forums, and experiences. Also includes surveys, quizzes & videosexperienceproject.com
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