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SELF-DEFENSE WHILE WALKING
SUMMARY: Pedestrians are most vulnerable to crime and violence. Learn what you can do while walking to reduce your chances of being a victim of violence.
Awareness is the most important aspect of self-defense. While walking, be a hard target by practicing the following:
- Walk fast with purpose
- Keep your head up
- Check behind you occasionally
Attack from Behind
The most common angle of attack is from behind. Make it known in your demeanor that you will not be surprised from behind. As you walk, move your head to look side to side and behind you.
Keep Your Hands Free
Have your weapons, hands, ready for action. Do not be overloaded with shopping bags. Have one hand free to hold up between you and the criminal or to defend with. Hands full of shopping bags increases your chances of distraction, which is just what the criminal is looking for.
Traffic
Walk toward traffic. Most people walk or run with traffic, which results in not being aware of a car or van coming up behind you before they stop, open the doors, and abduct or attack you. Additionally, you will be able to see if a car gets out of control and heading toward you.
Rounding Corners
Round corners wide, at least 3 feet away. You never know who is behind the corner, ready to surprise and jump you.
Sidewalk
Walk down the center of the sidewalk, away from walls and parked cars. This creates distance and time between you and potential threats from people waiting in alleys or behind parked cars.
Music and Books
Never use headphones or read as you walk. Doing either reduces dramatically your level of awareness of your environment. With music, you will not hear anyone approaching you by foot or vehicle. With reading, your focus is not on the road ahead of you, but lost in that book or magazine.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Books Self-defense books covering the foundation of personal protection and security. Includes recommended books.
- Videos Self-defense DVDs and videos serve as excellent supplemental learning tools as you see self-defense techniques performed.
- Training Live self-defense training from qualified instructors allows more personalized training, technique correction, and practice with partners.
- Information Additional websites that provide self-defense and personal protection information.
- More Articles Read more general self-defense articles from our library.