Van Life Safety Tips: Don't Become an Easy Target - Situational Awareness
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
- Don't become a victim or an easy target for criminals! A criminal needs just 7 seconds to choose their potential victim. Today we talk about what the difference is between people criminals prefer to stay away from and those who become their target.
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Thanks for watching!
"When Seconds Count, the Police are Only Hours Away." You are your own first responder.
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As a retired 911 Dispatcher, I can say without a doubt this is true and is likely to get worse.
yep
Always pack heat
This is so true. I grew up in an abusive environment. This taught me to be aware of everything around me. My less than ideal childhood has kept me safe. It became my superpower.
Yeah, it really has, we were forged in fire from birth & now we are made as tough as Iron. Use that pain & struggle to inspire a positive future for your self my Sister. Huggs.
Sometimes the bad things in our past prepare us for our future. Be safe and travel on
Same same! Always aware of surroundings and always vigilant. Sometimes, I'm too hyper aware though.
Ditto.
I lived in New York City for a few years, and then in Los Angeles for about 20 years. My policy was to always make eye contact with people, to walk briskly and with purpose, constantly scanning my surroundings. I've known people who walked down the street right into a group of guys, and got mugged. I am not blaming the victim, but I would cross the street if I was approaching a group of men. No reason not to be safe rather than sorry. Too many women may not want to hurt people's feelings -- you have to get over that to be safe. Thanks for another great video!
Agree, head on a swivel. Look them in the eye, but also not for too long. Enough to let them know you know they are there. Never turn your back on someone you feel could be a threat. Never relax if in the company of potential threats.Leave any situation that feels wrong.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Predators (of any species) stare; they are definitely looking. When someone looks you in the eyes, look directly into their eyes, never quickly avert your eyes. I always look people in the eyes while walking toward them; not forcefully or belligerently, but directly - just let them know that you actually “see’ them. Thanks for sharing Bob!
Great video, I took a self-defense class because of one of your videos. It is empowering. I think as women we tend to be "too nice". I would rather have a potential predator see me as a b**** instead of a target. I always check my surroundings & watch who is around me no matter where I'm at. Our intuition is so powerful, I would rather follow my intuition & be wrong than not follow it & be in trouble.
Agree ! Even the military trains snipers to never stare directly at potential targets. They are well aware people can sense being watched. 6th sense, gut instinct, intuition, listening to it can save you from plenty of grief. I have ignored it and almost always regret it.
You know b***h is an acronym for... Boys I'm Taking Charge Here....
Some people definitely have a lot of intuition and absolutely know when they're being watched !! here's a true story. I was moving from Arkansas Backwoods to Southern Missouri Ozarks, I was looking for property, I was Camped down on the river for a night slept in my truck, I was backed up by the river. across the river in the Ozarks were some ladies look like Mennonites, they were camping together about a half a dozen of them wearing longer dresses and things like this definitely Mennonites! anyways the one young woman walk down to the river by herself! And put her hands in the water and taking a look around. this was down in forested Wild area. But my truck was across the river and Downriver a ways but I had binoculars! and so I took a glance at these ladies having a great time over there eating and camping around their campfire in the morning. So as I was looking at this pretty lady with my binoculars she looks straight at me and I seen her lips move and she said someone is watching me! She could not see me! I was in my truck behind tinted glass!! wow I almost took it as a paranormal experience. I even felt a little ashamed because I was spying in a way by just looking because when she see me I felt guilty because I got busted even though she definitely could not see me. Also wen out hunting sometimes, I will not stare straight at a deer before I aim my bow or even with a gun!! sometimes when they are out of range because they seem to sense that you are there! even though the wind is coming from them to you and they cannot smell you. yes I believe in intuition
When I learned to ride a motorcycle, my situational awareness grew a hundred-fold because it was just necessary to stay safe. That made me a better driver in my car and to also have better awareness about my surroundings anywhere I went.
When in doubt.......always watch the hands. If something is going to happen, it'll come from the hands.
My wife is really good at situational awareness. She actually kept us from being mugged about 20 years ago when she noticed some guys following us. We were able to ditch them, but it made me realize that I really need to pay better attention to my surroundings and to activities of people nearby.
That's right, walk like you belong wherever you are, pay attention, head up, shoulders back! Oh, and always know where your exit points are 🤠
Exit points!!! Absolutely.
Always walk like you belong! I've been trying to tell people that for years but most don't understand why it's important or how to do it without looking silly. I've spent thousands of hours working in northwest regions of Canada, and you must walk with confidence when surrounded by predators. Bears and mountain lions attack the weak, I always walked with intent when I was alone in forest
When I lived in Vancouver, I worked at a downtown church mission. When the bus strike happened, I had to walk. My knee gave out. Luckily, it happened near a store that sold mobility aids. I got a knee brace and a walker.
When I got close to skid row, I knew I looked like a victim, so I put on The Attitude. "You want a piece of me? Just try it!"
I got to work safely.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Great video. I’m a Marine and am always practicing situational awareness, even at home. I will be going full time on the road later this year and am taking steps to prepare myself and my rig. I hope to meet you in my travels. Semper Fi!
Looking forward to your videos, Marine 😳👍
Thank you for your service. Oorah
I've done quite a few long distance road trips solo in my van. I'm 63, and don't have any pets with me. A few of my rules include NEVER giving anyone a ride; NEVER getting out of my van to help someone; NEVER letting anyone else use my phone; and ALWAYS locking my doors when driving and when just sitting in the van, reading or scrolling/watching videos, no matter what time of day. I offer to make a call to an emergency service or the auto club for roadside service or a tow if someone needs one; I've even allowed a stranger's tow to go on my membership tally for the year. But unfortunately, there are times and places where I've slept in my driver's seat, fully clothed and with my shoes on, with a good blanket and a couple of jackets for cover and warmth, so I can start my van and drive away within 15 seconds of being awakened if it's too sketchy. The seat reclines and is fairly comfy, and it does force me to sleep on my back which is better for my sinus drainage anyway. Oh, and I keep a can of bear spray and my fully charged phone within easy reach, wherever I sleep. Thank you for this reminder message, Bob.
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Also, 63, and I've used situational awareness and "intuition" to remain safe. I know my rig, I know there are blind spots (I'm saving funds to add Bluetooth cameras), but for now, knowing the shortcomings means I look at the situation differently. I left a Cracker Barrel (usually have no problem) because it was too empty, too close to an overpass where my lone rig was highly visible. I don't know that anything would have happened. I do know, I got a better night's sleep my driving a little further and finding a spot where I didn't stick out like a sore thumb!
As always Bob, your common sense approach to personal safety is spot on.
As a solo woman, I know my safety starts with situational awareness, attitude and training. Thank you for this excellent and vital video. 🌿
I was a woman driving through france with my daughter asked a village where to camp..they pointed directions, getting dusk, there where people packing up suddenly we were alone, i told my 12yr old, this doesn't look like the right idea to put up camp, so we scrambled before it got dark.......
Thanks Bob! As a security guard for many years most of what you are saying is 100% how a security person lives their life on and off the job. It just becomes second nature. I would recommend any person take the training even if they do not wish to work security.
That's a good idea...I will look into it. Any programs in Canada you would suggest?
Highly agree. I'm a 73 yo female. A year ago I took an 8-hours hands-on self-defense class. I was the oldest person attending by 10 years. Even though I'm licensed to carry a concealed weopon, I wanted to learn how to avoid trouble. Situational awareness is everyone's first defense. I learned a few ways to physically defend myself but this class was more about avoiding confrontations first and then ways of handling things when necessary. I recently had a situation while walking my dog in the park. My dog kept turning around and groweling. The only other person where I was walking was a young man walking quickly toward me. I moved off the path to a clearing and faced him. As he approached with clenched fists and an aggressive demeanor, I took one step toward him, looked him squarely in his eyes, raised my arm and hand toward him, and firmly said, stop I am armed. He froze, looked me up and down and decided to leave. I am so thankful for what I learned in that class. I highly recommend that everyone take a self-defense class.
@@rouxchat6033 Thanks for sharing that story ❤
@@rouxchat6033 you GO girl
America is a dangerous place. Safety on its streets is exceptional. I knew this when I was living in it. It is important to educate people about safety methods. Thank you.
Only way to defend yourself in the wilderness is with a gun, also get yourself a shovel to use after using the gun.😂🎉
This goes for anyone, anywhere. When I first owned firearms, I seared this into my brain.
I didn't want to become a victim, and I didn't ever want to use any of my weapons. It is better to solve the problem before it happens.
These tips are the ounces of prevention that prevent pounds of pain.
This is one of the many reasons I like you, you care about others.
Thanks, Bob! I'm going to share this with my two twenty-something-year-old kids in hopes that throughout their life they also remain safe! One doesn't have to be a nomad to use this information!
Bob, you bordered on it, but all of the same things apply to driving. Head on a swivel with all directions and in so doing know who is in those blind spots that your mirror does not cover. I have health issues so I cannot rotate my head very well so I watch all three mirrors very frequently so that no one sneaks up on those blind spots. Phones are dangerous driving as they take you out of "awareness" and they do the same walking through a store or on a sidewalk. Eyes, ears, always paying attention is the safest way through life. It protects you from other people but also natural dangers. One other one that amazes me is that no one seems to look up. Walking along a building on a sidewalk you should know if construction is going on above you. Hopefully they roped off a safety zone, but you would be amazed at the folks who will duck under those ropes and never look up. You hit the nail on the head though. For nomads, I would suggest that you leave a store, go straight to your car, look inside before opening the doors, then when you get inside take time to look around to see if anyone is watching you to follow. Also watch for folks following you on the road. If it even for a second seems like there is a car/truck following you find a safe spot to stop and let them go by. You may have been marked as a target by someone waiting til you get to a remote place. Again just be aware and protect yourself. Good subject and good talk Bob.
Good one, Bob. Love the emphasis on using one's intuition. Totally agree, it's one of THE most important things in life, across the board. Also, people need to not only learn ways to develop it (meditation and deep breathing are key), but to TRUST it (that's the challenge). I have a plethora of stories in that regard, but this video spurred memories of one. Years ago, a guy friend of mine and I were driving around in the "big city." I'm not normally a "backseat driver," but all day long I kept saying things like, "don't follow so close," and "slow down", and similar things. He wasn't used to that from me, and was kind of annoyed by it, ha. But I just felt apparently intuitively spurred to do this. So then we were heading home, just got fueled up and pulled out from the gas station. The exit we needed to take was just right there, almost directly across from the station. So he wasn't going that fast. Just as we got to the exit, this other car from the highway, literally shot like a rocket beside us, and cut in front of us onto the exit ramp. It happened so fast, there was no reaction time. So our vehicle continued at the same speed, and had a bird's eye view of what happened to that car. On our path, right in front of us, in a matter of seconds. It flipped about 2 or 3 times and landed on its wheels on the side of the exit road, clearing our path just in the nick of time. If it hadn't landed off the road, we would have collided with it. I'm sure I said to my guy friend that this must have been why I felt so compelled to monitor his driving that day, feeling the energy of this event coming. People need to overcome their fear of "being weird" by following their intuition, and to really start respecting that "sixth sense."
Another great book on safety is "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker.
Great book. I try to read it every few years
As you asked: yes what you said makes a lot of sense, Bob.
And just to add: keeping the head up and being aware of what happens around you does not only help against human predators, but at least in some cases also against (other) animals.
If you notice what happens around you, you can identify potential dangers and prepare yourself to avoid it or deal with it, and that's already 90% or so of your safety. If you notice in time the venomous snake on your path, you can avoid it (or, if you are a hungry survivalist, catch and eat it), but you are not bitten.
And for the remaining 10% safety, Your behavior and posture and body language signals clearly to the whole world around you, what type of easy or not so easy victim you are. And that might keep most of the predators away.
Predators observe their prey before they attack. And it is always reducing the risks for a predator if the prey isn't aware of a (potential) attack and doesn't run away or prepares for fighting back. So if a predator has the choice between a potential prey which is aware of the risk of an attack and a potential prey which obviously isn't aware, it will surely choose the one which isn't aware.
That said, even if you aren't aware of the risk, you can at least pretend to be aware in order to keep the attackers away. Keep your head up and look around, that fits even for a more or less blind person to look as if you would see everything.
In the Sunderbans in India, people have developed a great strategy against tiger attacks: as tigers attack their prey usually from behind, these people wear face masks on the back of their head when they are moving around in the jungles or on their fields. Seems showing the face alone (or a mask pretending to be a face) is enough to keep tigers away from attack.
I have learned when walking to be aware of shadows coming up quick .. reflection in windows , & a host of other helpful tools to keep alert ... be safe be alert
I learned a long time ago to walk with an attitude that says, “Mess with me and I’ll beat the crap out of you.” It has always worked for me.
Many moons ago a fellow worker & i were talkig about how people avoid me,, and he said Tom Catt it's the way U carry yourself & look people directly in their eyes & that intimidates people,, always wondered Y people steered clear of me,, I'm in my late 60s now & people still avoid me...
Though maybe i stunk 🦨
Yep. Im small, and this totally works for me.
Thanks for bringing this topic up Bob. I have been preaching situational awareness to people for years, though most people are not responsive to it. It is one of the most important things a person should learn in any environment. Wherever you live or are at at the time, be it inner city, urban, suburban, rural, remote, wilderness etc., situational awareness is key to your health and wellbeing. To go through life without practicing even passive awareness of your surroundings is an open invitation to personal disaster. I see more and more people outside with their eyes glued to their devices and their ears plugged that are truly oblivious. It is not that hard to avoid your downfall.
I learned more about intuition and following it by traveling alone than I could ever imagine. Being aware for myself has been a positive experience for me. I still travel with my husband, more now that he is retired but I learned a lot about myself traveling alone. Great advise. Thank you
I'd say this IS an important topic and tip! As a security guard for many years, its the first thing we are trained on. Observe and report was all I was qualified for, not defense. I noticed when at an event this past weekend, I assumed my guard standing position when I got up to stretch my legs. it made me chuckle to myself. This video reminded me, its a good thing I have situational awareness built in now that I am semi-retired!
Thank you for not having annoying music in your videos!
Absolutely makes sense. I have a decent sense of awareness but not sure it is always "on". I avoided a potential purse snatching in Walmart one early morning by being aware I was being followed from department to department. From camping supplies to food to picture frames then to BRAS! It still didn't really register until I conversed with the cashier about their security people following a little too close...and she said they were not on the floor yet. I told the supervisor who and what I saw since he turned to follow someone else (an easier target?). Another time at a rock concert I saw some potential violence about to happen and moved away. Police came and took the people out of the venue. I would that say being a "quiet" person who watches a lot, I see a lot. Thanks for this video - Book ordered!
Using your "head" is the #1 device you carry with you all of the time. Great advice.
I am pleased to know I seem to have these qualities & traits naturally. I am so self-aware I take it for granite. I always suspected I lived in some magical bubble, watching others fall around me & leaving a path of destruction in my wake, yet I survived. Time & time again. I suppose I should be grateful for my childhood & the wisdom it entrusted to me. Through fire we are forged into Iron. Tyvm for the wisdom, it is a noble thing to teach others. Best wishes to all of us Nomads.
I've been told I walk with an 'F You' walk. I don't know what that looks like but I always walk with situational awareness and that must be part of it.
One thing I can do is instantly shape shift my energy. I ball up my fist, put my keys through my fingers, or have a hand on my pepper spray, with a "I'm a mean MF, what the hell do you want?" look on my face. I learned how to shape shift my energy when fighting in the ring in my martial arts training to psyche out my opponents... it surprised a few who thought I'd be easy and threw them off guard. 😉
Once I was being approached by a group of teens and my gut instinct alerted me they were going to try to mug me. As they approached they began to spread out across the sidewalk a little, all eyes on me, not talking to each other. I gripped my purse handle firmly and when they got close, I scared the crap out of them. I did the total shape shift of energy and jumped into a kung fu fighting stance. They ran like crazy! 🤣🤣🤣
Situational awareness and projection! A policeman once told me that being aware will always make you less of a victim.
thanks, bob. as a perpetual solo traveler, i have experienced many many scary situations, and NOT because i put myself in unsafe situations. ANYWAY - good subject to cover so i THANK YOU.
You are not wasting your time at all. This is a very important subject. When I look at people around me while I'm out and about, almost everyone has their face buried in their phones. Even at restaurants. They ignore the people they are having a meal with and both are on their phones swiping, texting and so on. No one is paying attention to what's going on around them. So yes, this is a very important subject. We're in a time when there are so many people being attacked on the streets than ever before. It's unprecedented. I've never seen or heard about this being so rampant in all my days, as it is now. That very reason makes it even more imperative that we do have phones with us to call for help, but we should not be allowing ourselves to be distracted with them. Great report Bob!
Excellent video!
About 12 years ago I warned a few of my work friends to stop looking at their phone all the time, especially when crossing a street. Two of them never bothered to look up as they crossed intersections. A few years later one of them got very badly injured doing this. He was of the job for months, but did make a full recovery. But it all could have been avoided by just "looking up". I walk a lot and I would have been hit many times if I did what they did.
Yes please keep these coming. I find myself suddenly a senior, and a traveler. I sleep in my truck when on the road or doing shows. You might regret opening my truck when I'm inside, but I'm not as strong as I used to be. Security is something important to me.
Thanks.
Kent
Thanks Bob. Another great book is the classic "The Gift of Fear". In my old apartment complex two rough looking guys came up to me...one said do you know where a phone is around here...an obvious ploy and an about to attack signal for me. I quickly looked at each seriously. They understood I realized at that point I might be a problem. They left.
Sooo true! Great presentation for sure. I think we have to make awareness a habit. If some scoundrel wants to find their next victim- it won’t be somebody who might attract attention. It’s hit fast and get away fast
Good video. First rule of martial arts is avoidance. You do not go where trouble goes. Second rule is removal. If you fall into a potentially dangerous situation, exit fast.... Way before it even becomes dangerous.
Oh yes, I am always looking around , I look people in the eye and most people won't even look .
I have been told that, in spite of the fact that I am a gray haired senior, I tend to make some people a little uncomfortable because I present confidence and habitually look everyone straight in the eyes. If I am walking past someone, who looks a bit sketchy, I stand up straight, pull my shoulders back, look at them full in the eyes, give them a small smile and say "hello". This is apparently completely different than what they are used to seeing. They are seen and acknowledged. I have seen big men drop their gaze, turn away and immediately head off elsewhere.
Yes! Even with me being a small woman it works for me.
My son does a head tip acknowledgement. No hello’s. No smile. But no threat. After seeing reactions, I now do that. It doesn’t invite chitchat. It says "I see you".
Thank you, Bob, for an invaluable advice on one's own safety awareness. That "gut feeling" you touched on can be the difference in your living or dying. As a van lifer myself it has kept me alive for two years while traveling.
Needed! 💚 Taking my 18 yr. old granddaughter to London in July. Your video is PRICELESS information and so timely. Much thanks, Bob.
"Taken" with Liam Neeson came out when my daughter & her friend were planning trip to Paris. Standing at airport saying "have fun" was scariest day. She needed to not feed on my fear & enjoy. So..have fun!! 😂
Great reminders, I am comfortable in my neighborhood and while traveling but I need to pay more attention. A recent discovery from a possum and raccoon hanging around and bullying a cat colony - at home I keep a bat by my front and back door and by my bed. Never have had to use it or even pick it up. I took it with me just in case because I've seen raccoons be pretty aggressive. I'm 62 and not very strong so I couldn't swing a bat well enough to do any protecting. My great nephew and niece play wiffle ball at my house. Let me tell you, a wiffle ball bat is easily swung and i could get several whacks in pretty easily. Thankfully, all I have to do with the raccoon is tap the bat on the ground and he runs away. I'm so glad I made this discovery and I know a lot of people that keep bats nearby without thinking of what they can really, physically do. The bat is my personal limit, I don't think I could actually shoot anything, so it is what it is. Hopefully, if someone is like me, it will be a helpful tip. Thanks for sharing this important info
BOB IS 100%correct . Wearing headphones.. constantly looking at your smartphone or tablet. These are all distractions.. you need to stay focused and be aware of everything around you.. listen to that inner spidey sense. . That sense has been passed down to you from primitive man.. change your direction change your plan.. be prepared.. don't ignore the warning signs... Make eye contact! If you look away the criminal may perceive you as being weak..
Stay off your phone when walking about. I nearly ran over a lady who had her head buried in her phone, and stepped off the curb and into the street.
Great topic, Bob. Thanks, gonna look for the others. Happy trails, all.
🙏🏼🐾🎶
Been this way all my life and I don’t know why or where I picked it up from. My kids even laugh at me because sometimes I am over aware. Raising my children I always looked 10 steps ahead of them, were they heading into danger, do I have to move something so they won’t be hurt etc. etc. etc. I was always looking, preparing, ready for any situation and now as a great grandmother I am still that way. I am always assessing every situation I am in. I’m so glad I heard this video so now at least I know I’m not crazy.
I'm a full-time RVer. When I go into town, I dress poor. Old clothes. no jewelry, no warch, no cell phone hsnging out of your back pocket. For women, a handbag with a strong over-the-shoulder strap. No expensive nail polish.Criminals are looking for money. Don"t dress like you have a lot of it on you. And men, put your wallet in your front pocket!
Agree totally with this. One of my greatest frustrations is women putting their purses in car trunks or under car seats - in full view! - at trailheads.
@@Tipperary757 truer words were never spoken!! Anytime I know I’m going to a trail or such place, I don’t even take a full purse/bag. I remove my drivers license and some cash or a card and carry it on me and leave the rest either at home in the old days, now with my Van I have a private place built to hide little things. I also make sure the pants I wear have DEEP pockets so things don’t fall out easily.
I was hurt as a child and was in an abusive relationship as an adult and I had a therapist who taught me about situational awareness and looking like someone to be reckoned with. Until my mid-twenties I definitely walked around with VICTIM practically written on my forehead. Now my mid-forties nobody messes with me!
YES go on gut instinct. (trigger alert) Once when I was traveling in Switzerland, I could see a man edging up behind me in the reflective glass of a building . When I felt his hand under my arm, I elbowed him as hard as possible and left him staggering backwards. It pays to be aware. Another time, I was in a park here in the mountains of Georgia. There was a popular path to a waterfall, very well maintained, but walking down it, I felt the hair stand up on my neck and, not to over spiritualize, but I felt God or an angel telling me GET OUT. Not a suggestion, not a passing thought, a definite GET OUT. I turned on my heel and passed a tall, rather gaunt man coming right behind me. I didn't think about it, I wanted to get in my vehicle, lock the doors, and get out. Within a day or so, a woman went missing from that same park. A man had taken her in a van. They saw on the cameras of a gas station that he had blood on the back of his van, but in that area people often field dress deer and other game. He held her for four days before she lost her life. So sad. I believe that my life was spared. When you see that I was in the same park the same day that he was... I remember him. I also remembered the van, because you don't often see old white vans in those parks, they are usually a regular car or some kind of vacation vehicle, not a painter's van. So follow your gut instinct.
I was leaving a shopping center and my phone rang so I pulled over at the lower part of the lot to answer the call. I had been on the phone about 2 minutes when I glanced in the side mirror and saw a man running up from behind me. Luckily I hadn’t put my car in park because as he grabbed my door handle I just stomped the gas and took off. He scared me so bad and I took off so fast I was squealing tires as I turned out of the parking lot. If I had been sitting there with my car in park he would have gotten my door open before I could put it in drive and go. I felt like a dummy because I didn’t have my doors locked so now I automatically lock them as soon as I get in my vehicle.
Taking some good self defense classes can give you a boost of confidence without having to learn the hard way.
I've been told I carry myself like a teacher, or a soldier. I'm not sure what that means, but I think it's a good thing after seeing this video 😊
I'll be getting that book!
I walk with a faster gait than the average person and always with a sense of purpose because I was a teacher who had to get to meetings across campus.
I worked at a juvenile prison for 10 years. Look and walk like you are confident
You’re such a treasure! Thank you for all you are doing.
I took a gun safety/training course years ago.. (2 weeks)
one week 1st year
1 week the next year. The first thing they taught was situational awareness.
The average person is at yellow.. basically looking if the light is green, if they can cross the road safely. Then comes the people who do that and also looking around to see a car swerving, car behind getting too close. Delivery truck pulling out of parking.
Then the top tier, ..
All of the above plus fully aware of the posture of people walking by, the Brinks truck at the bank collective payrolls.. furtive looks.. stay vigilant, you don't want to just be safe, you want to not need rescued, robbed. You want to take control of your life. Prevent it from happening.
Bob, I purchased this book yesterday and am half way through. The information on "situational awaress" is excellent. Thank you for this recommendation! Another good book, though I prefer this one, is 'The Gift of Fear. '
Your situational awareness which you just discussed is also important when you are hiking. We don't think of ourselves as part of part of the food chain but we are.
Thanks, Bob, with this very informative video. Even for those of us who aren't nomads, this is still very good advice.
Bob this is a GREAT VIDEO! You are spot on in all your helpful tips to stay safe. I would like to share a few more that I had to use when I was working on Skid Row in LA. CA.
When I walked to my bus stops after work if I felt threatened I would start talking aloud to myself and twitching. Start shouting at no one in particular or just at whatever. A wall. The sky. BUT the important thing is to keep walking as if YOU have purpose. And no eye contact unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Remember you are in your illness mode. Keep it up until you get to your destination cuz not to many people want to deal with the mentally challenged people who exhibit their sickness. Peace out. Stay safe to you and all the road warriors. And thank you again for sharing! ❤
Another great video Bob. Situational awareness is priority. Get off your phone, look around and see what is going on. 👍👍
I was in a hike in Mi. Hadn’t passed anyone in 45 minutes or so and all of a sudden there was a man 4 feet behind me. I hollered at him for getting so close without saying “ coming up behind you”. I think in the end I scared him more than he scared me. But…I am 5 feet 10, so pretty big for a lady.
I love your comments! I have practiced these things for so long now it is second nature to me. I also am mindful of the approx. time of day. Being female and often by myself I prefer not to be out after dark but anytime i make a late night Walmart run, for example, I always park as close to the front as possible (better lighting and visibility), take a good tall stance when out of car, deliberately take a good look around so I can know who all is where all so to speak and so i am very visible to them. I keep my purse as hidden away as possible and with its strap across my body or if only a short strap with my arm through the strap loop up to my elbow. As I walk I i frequently glance around. One more thing, i also try not to park next to a van...goes back to visibility, among a cpl other things.
Well, I am saying too much I guess but I love safety tips. Always interested in more of them.
Take care, keep up the good work!
I appreciate the topic. Until I am able to do van life, safety tips will help me as I navigate multiple forms of public transit in a major urban area.
I appreciate hearing your common sense advice. I have been that person who is staring down at my phone and finds myself face to face with a stranger asking me for money.
Street smart , actually means having a keen sense of awareness within your surrounding ...Alertness is key .. Never turn your back & walk away from a heightened level situation ... Always keep an eye on potential danger as you back off ... To many times the aggressor waits for you to let down your guard ! Creating distance between them & you is your goal , but never just turn & walk away ... Aggressors thrive on emotional fear & weakness .. be aware of groups ," two or more hanging out ", especially at night .. assault crimes happens more often at night ... Selecting to be alert can save your life ! Surroundings change .. never select to feel complaisant , or think now your safe letting down your guard of awareness ... alertness is not paranoid ... say it again alertness is not paranoid ! Nor is alertness a sign of fear ! awareness of your surroundings , who's there ? who's a potential threat ? Military training of detecting potential danger ...
Yes, and if you're walking alone and someone is coming toward you or more, and you get a feeling, don't second guess, just cross the street. Or even walk in the street till they pass you. As a single who loves to walk. Also people with dogs can easily run up and hit you just by accident because there owners are unaware. I have had this happen at dog parks where dogs will gather and play off leash, and they run all about not noticing humans, just be careful. Now, with kids on the electric bikes on sidewalks, just assume the worst to happen and calculate, is easily and when walking alone you really can spot behavioral types. I carry my flashlight at night too. The amount of people walking while looking down at there cell phones is amazing.
Bob! Of all the masterfully delivered messages you have delivered on this channel... this is my favorite because without it, without becoming situationaly aware, the rest would be tough to enjoy safely. Thank you. I'm buying the book!
I'm 73 and have lived in major cities and never been attacked. NYC, LA, Philly, St Louis, Atlanta, Honolulu, DC,
One other element which might contribute to my safety is being "gray." I don't wear clothes which are in "style."
I will be getting that book for my daughter and daughter in law.
Keep up the great information Bob! A lot of people are to trusting. I have learned something of value with each of your videos. Thank You! Keep Smiling😁🫶🏼
A lot of people are to paranoid as well...Try to remember we need a balance to have an actual life, I met some really insane paranoid people just as bad as the clueless. lol
I have always initiated eye contact and a smile or a friendly greeting with passing strangers in public not only do they see my personality, they become aware that I could identify them if needed. Safer
Good info Bob. I've watched a couple of your security videos. Taught Awareness, Avoidance and Action concepts for years...yes, simplified and there's a lot more to these 3 aspects of security, but you hit on several key points. Look forward to seeing more.
Excellent advice! That study was sited in a self defence class I took back in the late 80’s and it kept me safe living downtown in a major city for many years!! I still use these strategies when I anywhere new. Thank you for this unfortunately essential video series!!!!
When your looking for a spot pay attention to anyone camping if there camp is trashy or if it looks like a fake camp if they don't wave as you drive by and they stare at you we all have spidey sense you just gotta tune in to it
My "situational awareess" out in boonies near Challis, ID, is Doberman, then Glock, and if those fail, Mossberg won't.
“As a nomad- you are safer than living in a home…”
I agree with this statement, for now…. I have recently noticed that in the present “class war” happening in America that when pulling into a new city, I have to be vigilant for a few hours/days to see how the locals will respond to my presence.
For now we are safest because we are mobile, but if the locals of a city do not take kindly to nomads, we become targeted and (in my experience) subject to myriad tactics of intimidation or abuse.
It has been my experience that my presence (my freedom, my “look”, my positive vibes) may sometimes trigger resentment or intolerance in certain individuals that result in their driving me out of town. This isn’t even in city boondocking situations- this has happened in certain smaller cities all around the US. Desert, mountain, beach communities…. It doesn’t matter, if I’m not taken in kindly by certain locals, they’ll make my stay a living hell until I recognize what’s happening to me and I flee as discreetly as I can
Thanks for good information Bob its great😊
Im 76yrs. Old. I cant fight back. I have health issues that would put me in the hospital and posdible surgery. Its important to observe. Heads up. Lopk around . walk natural. Bw aware anywhere you go. Kinda hard to do when dtiving. But at signal lights be aware espically at dark. Lock the car doors at all times. More safe. Thanks bob. Youre the best.
Great advice. So many have their nose in their phones and have no clue of what's going on around them.
A great subject to discuss. As a dog rescuer, I can’t stand it when people walk around, face in their phone, ear phones in their ears, coming near me and my dogs. I wonder why would you assume my large dogs are safe to be near. Like Bob says, tune in, be aware and stay away. Also, stop assuming anyone and any thing is safe. Keep your distance.
Definitely makes sense to me. Be alert and aware...trust your gut.
Bob, I realize your main message over the mamy years you've been doing this is independence. But you should check out Community First with Alan Graham out of Austin, Texas. What this man has done is truly miraculous. I'd love to live there. It was an outgrowth of Mobile Loaves and Fishes.
Makes perfect sense! The Active Self Protection channel teaches situational awareness as number one! Also transitional spaces awareness 💜
Yes this makes perfect sense.
Bob, this is GREAT.
Statistically, most sexual assaults are people known to the victim.
WOMEN:
NEVER hesitate to make noise, be obnoxious. Stop being so polite!! Polite WILL NOT save you. Your big mouth MAY.
It's interesting that you mention intuition. There are people I see here in downtown Toronto that I instinctly stop and help in any way I can. If I can afford to buy them a meal I take them into a restaurant. I ask them to order what they'd like and I pay for it. But there are others that I'll instinctively avoid. Perhaps it's because I'm 69 years old with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. I truly hope they get the help they need by someone.
Great video Bob!
I am so often asked why I am not afraid. Sometimes the question is put forward as an acquisation.
As though I am foolish for not being afraid.
I know I feel safer in my van than I did in a house.
I have lived alone for a few decades. I feel I have far better opportunity to protect myself in my home, when my home has wheels. I always have two sets of keys. I keep them always in front and back of the van. I slip up every now and again but almost always, each set of keys are in there designated spot.
The van locks up pretty solid. It isn't a fast, easy, slick break-in.
It has a built-in from factory horn honking alarm.
I can be in the seat and gone before the bad guy knows what happened.
Yes Bob you made sense.
It is a matter of knowing what can I safely do to protect my personal safety.
Another thing is a criminal usually is looking to score financially whether it be cash or things they can sell so be aware and not make yourself look so well off financially.
Criminals usually do not travel to the trailer parks to break into homes but go to the nicer neighborhoods and the same applies to a degree here.
This is one area that the person driving a 20 year old van with maybe a door replaced that is a different color or in primer has an advantage over that person that is driving a nice 2 year old high top sprinter van with the outback tarp on it laden with solar panels.
Also I am a firm believer in firearms for protection and self defense.
Take the time and get your states concealed carry permit as in many states there is reciprocity between states as in my case 38 states recognize and honor my states ccw permit within their borders.
Nothing will equal the playing field and offer you a better chance of survival than a firearm if you do not have the option to avoid a confrontation or leave the area.
I was raised it is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six!
Generally the police will be at best minutes away when you are faced with seconds to protect yourself.
I do not condone a person playing Rambo or badass but I do condone a person to hurt the bad guy before he hurts you.!
Another thing about traveling new places is you do not know what is a good safe area and what may be a bad area sometimes in advance.
Plan your trips so you have several hours of daylight to decide where you will spend the night and be off the road and the streets before nightfall.
Again danger can hit at anytime but criminals like being under the cover of darkness when possible.
And Bob is right the person that is responsible for YOUR safety is YOU!
All true and good advice, thanks for the reminders.
The Gift of Fear is a great book that everyone should read.
Many times, your lifestyle itself, can help you stay safe, but not always!!! Your points are good ones! Years ago I was mugged at my daughter's school, only a few feet from the office door! As the results I had a large bald spot on my head, and my arm in a sling for weeks! I only had four dollars in the purse he took. The worse part was a 6th grade student saw me hurt and bleeding when I reached the office. Next, was the fear I had at sending my child to school the next day!!
Thank you for this video.
Glad we had this conversation (No beboppin') Bob! 😊
Very important information, and as always, very relatable.
Situational awareness has been foremost on my mind. Especially after two close encounters with Western Diamondbacks in the last 2 weeks. 😕 FYI: anti-venom ain't cheap.
Head on a swivel - yes! Longitudinally, as well as latitudinally.
I’m glad you are doing these videos and look forward to them 🤔
I’m currently Stationary in an RV in a rural area. 3.5 hrs to get police to an active shooter situation. 100% agree though that 90% or more of situations can be prevented by not making yourself a target…
I've traveled by car often on long and short road trips across the US and Canada including AK a few times from age 10 to 60 something and maybe it's just that I'm aging out, or maybe it's due to more immediate news reports with the internet and social media comments , but it seems it's getting more dangerous out there. In the old days I'd think almost nothing of going out into a downtown in the wee hours of the morning or doing a night time photographic shoot just walking around. Now if I go back to the same city it just has a different vibe, more dangerous , or a foreboding sense that danger is out there. Maybe it always was and the brashness of youth tempered the danger and now maybe it's just a cumulative effect of bad news reports day after day., maybe it's an increase in homeless sleeping in store door fronts as you walk past or screaming nonsense into the night from a few blocks down that in the old days wasn't part of a downtown.
Thank you
Thank you for addressing this. We all need reminders once in awhile.
Always have your head on a swivel. Know your surroundings. Be smart, be safe.