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Safety on the road
I come across this on Gunsite.co.za, but a lot of what they mention could be applied to going to dodgy places, and keeping alert. It has nothing to do with firearms. I edited some of the stuff out that was to do with house burglaries and stuff, cos thats got nothing to do with the trip you will be on. Ignore the references to rands :)
Just as there are advantages for criminals there are also disadvantages. These are often recognizable and evidence of an impending attack. Prior to an attack, "target identification" must be verified. Usually this will involve a criminal possibly giving away his / her intentions by focusing too much on the target, or by signaling another attacker. Attacks can also be disguised by ruses such as asking for directions or a cigarette while nervously looking around, or engaging in conservation while hiding their hands from view. If more than one attacker is used one will be obvious so that your attention is solely focused on that individual while another attacks from an advantageous angle. The correlation of movement is another factor that needs to be recognized. An example is when you observe an individual looking at you but then suddenly look away when you observe him. Then as you cross over a street the potential attacker moves directly towards you or at an angle. In these situations you have to trust your intuition and instincts. If you feel that something is not right it usually means it is not. At this point you have to react by moving to a more advantageous position. What you want to do is separate yourself from your attacker by trying to place distance or something between you and the criminal such as a vehicle. Remember a criminal has to transition towards you to execute the attack. By being alert and aware to correlation of movement you will be in a position to recognize pre-threat indicators and respond decisively. Your ability to exploit the inflexibility of your attacker is paramount. If they are planning on attacking you in front of an alley but you recognize this and cross the street while moving towards a different direction you will exploit their probable lack of readiness and ability to execute a change in plan The concept is always threat avoidance! Facts About Attacks • 90% of Random Attacks are Successful • Attacks are Preceded by Some Type of Surveillance Advantages For The Attacker • Motivation • Initiate the Action • Method of Attack • Location of Attack • Element of Surprise What Advantages Do You Have? • Empowerment to Enact Self-Security Measures • Knowledge of Your Movement Patterns • Ability to Change Quickly • Support Resources • Better Opportunity to “Know Your Surroundings” • Reduce Element of Surprise - Ability to Modify Environment Random Attacks • Anyplace / Anytime • Victim Selection Occurs in about 10 seconds • Criminals Look for the Unaware and Distracted • Robbery and Express Kidnapping are Typical Examples Good Practices • Avoid pattern creation • Observe your surroundings • Analyze! • Open Avenue of Escape!. When Walking… • Head and Eyes Up • Keep a visual of your surroundings • Don’t Multi-Task • Move Confidently • Project the image of an alert person • Limit carrying excess baggage • Know Your Exits • Where can you escape safely and readily Again the concepts of threat recognition and security posture are key to these concepts. Most of what is relayed here sounds like common sense and that is because good security starts from just that, common sense and logical planning. One of the key aspects in avoiding muggings is your own body language Muggers like any other predatory criminal will nearly always single out those that appear weaker. Conduct yourself with confidence, when you walk do not look afraid keep your shoulders back and stride out. Here comes a bit of a balance whilst you need to conduct yourself with confidence and portray strength you also need to blend in. Don’t be too flashy. A 250 000 rand watch might look great on you but will also undoubtedly garner you attention that you don’t want. Your appearance should be neat and business like, without an overt display of wealth. Your aim is to blend in with the crowd around you. Avoid prolonged eye contact with those around you. Keep mobile until you reach your destination Keep to the safe area’s there are plenty of reasons why muggers are reticent to attack people in well lit areas with plenty of people in the vicinity number one of which is that it increases their risk profile. Muggers are not in their line of business because they want to be caught! Be sensible, it is not a good idea to stand around your hotel on the sidewalk having a long conversation on your mobile phone whilst waving your arms about. This just makes you a focal point of attention. It will also attract a mugger to the fact that you have a mobile phone and remember that certain types of phone handsets rightly or wrongly are associated with people with a higher degree of disposable income. Use your headset if you need to speak on the phone in the street or even better go into a secure environment and chat away to your hearts content. Keep alert and attune to your surroundings, especially when you are in an area which is unfamiliar to you. Ask yourself if people local to an area don’t use a specific route at a specific time, why don’t they? When ever you are unsure check with people who have local knowledge. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your own safety. IDENTIFY YOUR CHOKE POINTS • Locations You Must Go Through While in Transit • Forces You to Slow Down • Easy to Block Your Movement - Roadblocks • Multiple Places for People to Hide in Ambush • Places Where They Can Observe You Unnoticed - Bus Stops What Should You do if You are Attacked? • React • Run Before You Resist • Never Go to a Second Crime Scene • Never Give Up, escape is NOT GIVING UP! Remain calm and respond to request for valuables • Toss valuables away from attacker in one direction, run in the opposite direction • Never leave with an attacker – do not allow yourself to be taken to a location where the attacker controls the environment |
This is helpful but I think most importantly, trust your instincts.
I read recently that during most express kidnappings the victims secretly suspect that something is happening but they refuse to believe it and tell themselves everything is normal, thus missing opportunities to escape. Also, never ever run to an unpopulated area, i.e. backalley! If you're in the 3rd world I think most people will try to help you but they can't do so if they can't see you being attacked :thumbup1: |
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I especially like this post by Banditderek although it makes several assumptions (that I don't necessarily agree with and are impractical whilst travelling) it does highlight a moving target is harder than a stationary one. Who would've thought?! **touch of sarcasm** All those hours of 1st person shoot'em up games might have served some purpose after all...:D |
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Thanx for posting :thumbup1: |
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Maybe it's me, but I can imagine the writer as some 40 year old white guy with a seriously short haircut, shoes you can see your face in and a safari suit? The words "SIR YES SIR REPORTING FOR DUTY SIR" probably come as second nature and he might just be able to sell you pepper spray or a bullet proof vest complete with receipt so you can do your expenses? I mean, who the heck has "Empowerment to enact" things outside corporate BS? Don't most of us who don't have to eat our meals from trays with little comparments for each foodstuff have hands free rather than "head sets"? I dread to think what the "ability to modify my enviroment" means, I'm thinking I really won't like the smell of napalm at any time of day. I find looking scruffy and acting like I'm too stupid to have anything worth stealing pretty much covers all this. Andy |
I'm glad you all like this posting. I didnt write this and I dont necessarily agree with everything, but it does perhaps give you a heads up if you were ignorant to the intentions of 'bad' people, like say if you came from a civilized country. I realise things like not making eye contact doesnt really go along with the travel ethos of meeting new people, so some things like this you'll have to make an instinctual choice about when to follow this advice. Being rude of screaming 'fire' or something at someone who is trying to lead you into an environment that they control is perfectly reasonable, as long as you feel threatened. Harsh language isnt going to work on someone after they are alone with you. Think about it.:D
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With absolutely NO comparison to the OP, it really goes to show that there are some people out there who think leaving their own state should be classed as a special forces mission...
Where a lot of the info is indeed correct, it's totally unfeasible... If you get attacked, you're not going to remember a single word of that article. Your own personality, experience and training etc will determine if you either sh*t your pants in the street or go all Jack Baurer on the assailant. |
"Attacks can also be disguised by ruses such as asking for directions or a cigarette while nervously looking around, or engaging in conservation while hiding their hands from view."
I've always been wary of shiftless conservationists. I was once approached by a Wilderness Foundation volunteer with his hands in his pockets. Sure enough, he pulled out a baby otter and bludgeoned me with it. |
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I've always felt like I belonged there wherever I've been and I've never had any major problems. I had a minor abducting once but we ended up getting on really well, they fed me, gave me a packet of smokes and sent me on my merry way. There's a lot to be said for travlling with an open heart, no fear of new people and looking like you've been living in a swamp with a knackered old bike. |
Very important things you underlined and defined really well the sequence of actions that can happen when you are in middle of a attack. Nice it is really helpful in dealing with one such incident coming in your way.
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I think a lot of it is common sense, instinct and attitude. With a little bit of luck too ;)
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It is just advice I can't see why some people seem to find it necessary to reply in a negative and sarcastic manner if you don't like it ignore it ,or post postive helpful comments
Just my thought as a relatively new user on the site Safe riding Paul |
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