Everyone knows there’s a difference between being smart and being street smart. Some people are just better than the rest of us at navigating day-to-day life, especially in situations that might turn sketchy without any notice.
Fortunately, street smart tips are easy to share, and you never know when keeping one in mind when you find yourself in a situation outside of your norm might make a world of difference.
Here are some of the top tips from Redditors as of late:
1.
Lock your doors as soon as you’re in a car.
2.
Only break one law at a time.
3.
Look with your eyes, not your head.
4.
There is no shame in running away from a fight.
5.
You can get into a lot of places by holding a pizza.
6.
Know where the exits are at all times.
7.
Never count your cash in public even if in singles.
8.
Always look like you know where you’re going, even when you don’t.
9.
Confirm the license plate and make sure you are getting in your proper Uber/Lyft.
10.
Always get the money up front. People who want to pay later probably won’t and then things can get messy.
11.
If an attractive woman asks for directions, look for her partner behind you or going into your car to take what they can grab. Typical vacation area scam.
12.
If you see something potentially illegal going on don’t look directly at them. Especially if you know that you’re not going to be reporting it to the police.
13.
Walk on the road if you’re in a real shady neighborhood and it’s late at night. Not in traffic but away from alleyway entrances.
14.
Security guards, doormen, food cart operators, and blue collar workers in general are well-versed about the location of the nearest restrooms.
15.
If someone is asking you for help, but you need to follow them around the corner to help them… don’t. Politely say you’re late to a meeting and keep walking.
16.
When you stop your car, always make sure you have enough room in front of you for an escape route. It’s impossible sometimes, but do the best you can.
17.
If you’re uncomfortable with your surroundings, leave. Your unconscious is often more aware of your surroundings than you’d think. If something you can’t figure out is telling you to go, listen to it.
18.
If you’re in the hood and you see kids playing outside, you’re probably safe. If there are a lot of people outside but no kids, be super cautious and walk with a purpose. If it’s empty or only teenagers/young adults, get out asap.
19.
If someone starts to loudly state that they’ve lost their wallet or phone, don’t obviously or immediately go to check on yours in your bag or pocket. It’s a common pickpocket technique to get people to show the pickpockets where their stuff is.
20.
Used to live in a bad area of a major metro. Whenever friends would visit, the one rule was always “You don’t look.” I don’t care how crazy of a sound you heard, or what crazy thing caught the corner of your, or what crazy thing the guy we are walking by is trying to tell you. If you pay it attention, you are going to end up involved whether you want to or not.