Many women report being nervous to walk alone for fear of being attacked. It turns out this fear is not unfounded. In fact, a study that appeared in a 2016 issue of Time Magazine revealed that more than half of female joggers report being harassed in some way while jogging. Whether you take to nearby trails to jog or you walk to work on a regular basis, here are a few ways you can increase your safety when traveling on foot through urban areas.
Walk During Daylight
Walking in the daytime is safer than walking at night because you have a higher chance of being seen by others if attacked. You also have better visibility and can see if someone you want to avoid is approaching you. If you must walk at night, do so in well-lit public areas.
Carry a Concealed Weapon
Hopefully you will never have to use it, but having a concealed weapon with you can not only help you stay safer while walking, but give you greater confidence that you can protect yourself if the need arises. You need to obtain a special license before you can carry a concealed weapon, but for many women the effort and cost of becoming licensed is well worth the peace of mind. Concealed carry ankle holsters and hip or side holsters allow you to carry a small gun in a discreet way so you don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself.
Always Stay Alert
It can be tempting to pull out a pair of earbuds and listen to your favorite tunes while you walk, but doing so can decrease your awareness of what’s going on around you. If you must listen to music, keep the volume down and only insert one earbud so you can hear approaching cars and people with your other ear.
In addition to these tips, walking with a dog and carrying pepper spray and/or a noisemaker with you are great ways to increase your safety while walking.
