Be Smart After Dark
Darkness reduces visibility, which is a huge advantage for criminals trying to operate undetected. Most of us aren’t out in the middle of the night, so it’s easy to avoid becoming a victim, but what about those months when it’s dark before you leave the office?
We need to be smart about managing time as the days grow shorter. Consider running your errands before it gets dark; if that’s not possible, use the buddy system so you aren’t alone. If you work late hours or can’t get away during the daylight, try a delivery service for things like groceries and other household necessities.
If you must to go to the store alone after dark, park as close to the entrance as you can. Park under a bright light or a LotCop camera to increase visibility around your vehicle. Also, do your best to get in and out quickly, reducing your time in parking lot.
When you park, keep your doors locked until you’re ready to get out. Don’t sit in your car and scroll on your phone. Do your best to stay alert and become aware of your surroundings. The same goes for when you return to your vehicle. Get your bags and yourself in the car, lock the doors, and drive away.
Avoid Crime Hot Spots
Crime can happen anywhere, but some places are considered “hot spots” where the odds are increased. Gas stations and ATMs are two that immediately come to mind. People tend to face one direction and lose sight of their surroundings while pumping gas, making them vulnerable to criminals that use this opportunity to rob or attack victims or steal their vehicles.
ATMs, especially those located outdoors, are another hot spot after dark. Again, people tend to face the machine, lowering their situational awareness. Having another person with you is helpful. And if you can’t avoid the ATM after dark, find one that’s inside a locked vestibule and stay alert.
Practice Increased Situational Awareness
Walking around with your head down looking at your phone signals to criminals that you’re an easy victim. I think all of us have experienced the feeling of getting lost in our phones. It happens quickly, and we’re unaware of what’s going on. Remind yourself there’s nothing on your phone worth the risk of becoming a victim.
Situational awareness is always crucial to safety, but it’s time to dial it up a notch after dark. It’s so easy to be on autopilot when we’re running errands, but we need to pay attention to our surroundings. If something abnormal catches your attention, don’t ignore it.
Outdoor Exercise
Many of us like to exercise outdoors first thing in the morning, and with the sun rising later, this can expose additional vulnerabilities. Instead of walking or running in a secluded area that provides cover for criminals, take your workout somewhere like a well-lit neighborhood. Fewer people are outside in the colder months, which means fewer witnesses and criminals know this.
Related: Run or Hike Safely With These Self-Defense Tips
It’s a good idea to follow additional safety tips like using the buddy system, wearing reflective clothes, only using a single earbud, and carrying a self-defense tool. Stay off your phone so you can be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Carry Everywhere
If you carry concealed, make sure you’re carrying everywhere. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you don’t need to carry when running a quick errand. Danger can happen any place and at any time. Also make sure you are practicing your drawing and shooting regularly.
If you can’t or won’t carry a firearm, get some other self-defense tool and train with it. Many options exist, like pepper spray, pepper ball guns, tasers, stabby tools, and knives. Remember, these all require some form of training.
One tool that everyone should carry is a tactical flashlight. It’s a constant in my everyday carry and especially helpful at night. It’s small, doesn’t take up much room in your purse or pocket, and it’s easy to use.
A tactical flashlight can also serve as a self-defense tool. With enough lumens (at least 300), the beam can temporarily blind or disorient an attacker. The beveled edge can also be used as a striking device. Although I wouldn’t rely on this to completely disable an attacker, it may buy you precious seconds.
It fits in the palm of your hand so you can carry it while navigating a dark parking lot. I like to clip mine to the brim of my hat when I’m walking outside before sunrise. Tactical flashlights are also affordable; you can pick a good one up for less than $50.
Conclusion
Since violent crime happens more frequently after dark, these tips are a good reminder of what to do as the days get shorter. Ultimately, these are important to practice and implement into your daily life, regardless of the season. Taking your safety into your own hands is a lifestyle.
