Tag Archives: walking safety

General Safety Issues

TACTICS TO AVOID SEXUAL ABUSE

Although it is a subject that no one wants to discuss, we need to do all we can to help persons know how to protect themselves from sexual assault.  The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time to consider that this problem is one that is committed all too often.  Many times, assault victims don’t report it, because they become the one that is blamed for the act, rather than the perpetrator.  Rape, or sexual assault, is a violent crime, not a sexual act.

Listed below are good tips from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.  Please consider these ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim: 

  • On Dates:  If you are on a first date with someone, and you don’t really know much about that person, meet in a public place, arriving and leaving separately.  If a situation makes you uncomfortable, speak up.  Don’t isolate yourself with someone you don’t know or trust.  Trust your feelings; if it doesn’t feel right, or you feel pressured, listen to yourself.  Once you say “No”, it becomes a crime if an assault takes place.
  • At Home: Have a door viewer and a dead bolt lock on your front door.  Never hide a key over a door or other obvious places.  Be cautious about revealing personal information over the phone or internet.  Keep your blinds and curtains closed at night.  Never admit strangers or unwanted contacts to your home under any circumstances.
  • In the Car:  Always lock your car when leaving and entering it.  Look in the back seat before entering your car.  Have your cell phone with you at all times.  Lock yourself in the car if you have car trouble, call for help, and wait for assistance to arrive.  If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest public place and blow your horn.  If a police station or hospital is nearby, go there.
  • At Parties:  Go with friends and stay with your group.  Watch out for each other and leave together.  Never leave a beverage unattended.  Overuse of alcohol or drugs can decrease your awareness and make you vulnerable.  No matter how persuasive or attractive a stranger may be, never leave with that person.
  • On the Street:  Don’t walk close to alleyways and bushes.  Wear sensible clothing and shoes, which will allow you to maneuver or run.  Stay alert and aware.  If you walk or jog, take alternate routes or time on the street.  Predictable behavior is risky.  Keep your cell phone in your pocket. 

Other statistics pertaining to this topic, are the ones regarding Child Sexual Assault.  Between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of assailants are known to the family, or are family members.  Parents should know that young children do not make up stories about a subject as serious as this.  Children are never responsible for these assaults made against them; however, most children are afraid to tell their parents.  Children can be taught to use their own resources to protect themselves, such as kicking, yelling, running, getting help, etc.  The key is that they know to whom they can turn for immediate and unquestioning help.  Schools may do some instruction to children on ways to protect themselves. 

Again, we can’t turn our backs on subjects that are not pleasant to discuss.  Counselors encourage people to spread the word about ways to avoid becoming a victim.  It can happen to children, adults, seniors, any one, any age.  The National Sexual Assault Hotline, (800-656-HOPE) is available 24/7, offering free confidential services.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SMALL TOWNS HAVE THEIR SHARE OF DANGER, TOO!

As I was jaywalking to get across the street to my car this week, a lady in the car parked next to mine almost mowed me down!  I happened to notice she was starting to back out, so I hurriedly stepped out of her way.  Standing there, as I waited for her to see me, I realized that she didn’t even noticed what had happened.  She never looked back or to the side, but drove straight ahead and faced forward once her car was in the street.  There were a couple of witnesses, who agreed that I was very lucky, as she would not have known what happened until I was probably a goner!  I live in a very small town, and just about everyone in this town jaywalks most of the time, but I was wrong in walking behind that parked car.

Here are some excellent tips that I will definitely follow, from now on:

  • Cross only at intersections.  Do not jaywalk!
  • Do not cross between parked cars.  Drivers are not expecting this, and you are more likely to get hit.
  • Don’t take the “No Right Turn on Red” signs for granted.  Always check for vehicles that may be turning, as the motorists may not be watching for you, either.
  • Stop and look, left, right, and left again before you step onto the street.  Evaluate the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
  • Always look for signs of a moving car, (rear lights, exhaust smoke, motor noise, wheels turning) and never walk behind a vehicle that is backing up. (I won’t!)
  • Always hold your child’s hand.  Do not let a child under 10 cross the street alone.
  • If you walk on a road that has no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.
  • Don’t dash into the street. (I can’t dash anymore!)
  • If you are in a parking lot of a big store, pay attention to vehicles that may start backing out.

And, drivers:

  • Keep a look out for pedestrians any time, but especially at night or in inclement weather, as they may be hard to see.
  • Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even unmarked ones.  Stop well back enough so that other drivers may see the pedestrians, too.
  • Some pedestrians may be physically or mentally impaired, unfamiliar with how to cross safely, or simply not paying attention, so don’t assume that they will act predictably.
  • Especially be careful when driving in neighborhoods and school areas.  Drive there like you would want people to drive in your neighborhood.

Accidents happen anywhere, all the time.  We have to play it safe, walking or driving.  If an item gets broken, most of the time it can be fixed.  When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, it may not be easily “fixable”, so we all must pay attention.  I know I am going to.

Source: getstreetsmarts.org