September 12, 2011

A young man was walking along a narrow road, head down and obviously unaware of anything going on around him. Both ears were plugged with large earphones, so he was likely not listening to anything else either. About to pass him, I slowed considerably, watching him closely.

Suddenly he stumbled and stepped right into the path of my car. He recovered his balance and continued to walk down the road, evidently oblivious to the fact that I might have killed him. I was aware, and so I was able to turn the car enough to avoid him, but my adrenalin level was on serious overload for hours after that. If I had hit him, I would be the "bad guy" and crucified. No mention would ever be made of his negligence.

How many people do you see each day walking around talking on a phone or otherwise demonstrating little or no awareness of their surroundings? How many people driving cars fall into that category as well? People who ride motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates must be included. Even otherwise ordinary pedestrians, with nothing in their hands and no obvious distractions are usually unaware of the things and people around them.

Yet, when they collide or get hurt, it's always called an "accident." Tragic, to be sure, but is it really an accident? An accident is something that happens without warning, usually unavoidable. A large meteor or something falling from the sky would qualify. When people run into each other and solid objects because they were not paying any attention to where they were going - not so much. There is usually an element of negligence on the part of one or more of those involved in an "accident."

Much of the discussion of self defense revolves around crime and the tools for defensive action, but I have long believed that situational awareness is often treated as a secondary topic instead of the absolute necessity it is.

Situational awareness is a skill, and must be learned and practiced just as with any other important skill.

The following is taken from my* book, "I Am Not A Victim" - available free on request.

The best gun skills in the world wouldn’t do you a bit of good in a violent attack unless you had the time and mental preparation to bring your gun into action - or take other evasive, defensive steps. Being aware of your surroundings at all times, and paying attention to your gut feelings and instincts, is just as important as the ability to hit what you shoot at - and maybe more. This topic is covered in detail during the (NRA) Personal Protection series classes and you are urged to read/re-read the course materials or, if you have not taken these classes, register promptly to do so. These exercises are part of those classes and designed to help you optimize both your formal training and your skills for survival.

Review the levels of awareness.

Unaware

• Only appropriate at home, doors locked

• Sleeping (Need alarms, dog, locked doors, etc. as protection)

• In the shower

• Watching TV or otherwise absorbed in an activity

• Walk or jog with stereo earphones on (very bad idea!)

• Potentially - Driving, especially long distance

• Can you think of other times YOU are unaware of your surroundings?

• Make a list.

Aware - best if practiced everywhere - when no threat is perceived

• You see who is near you (including behind you) and any movements they make

• You are immediately aware of strangers and observe their actions, what they have in their hands, facial expression, etc.

• You are aware of the source of potential danger, such as cars in the street, loose dog, litter on the ground or increased traffic ahead of you on the road.

• You are thinking of ways to avoid potential dangers you observe

• You have a definite plan for what you are doing, where you are going. This plan may be very simple, and eventually will be subconscious. The important thing is not to appear lost, confused, timid.

• Look for something that could serve as cover in an attack each place you go. Remember where your car is parked so you don’t have to search for it. These plans are often informal and almost unconscious, but it is very different than just drifting along with no clear idea what you are doing.

• Make a list of other things you should be aware of, especially when out of your home.

Alert - Serious potential danger identified

• Stranger walking toward you quickly, hands out of sight

• Loose dog who is growling and showing teeth, coming toward you

• Loud sound outside your home or car, out of the ordinary

• Many others

• Think about what you would understand to be an alert of potential danger and write them down. What would you do to avoid the possible danger? Make a list.

Alarm - Immediate Serious threat, danger.

• Stranger coming toward you pulls a knife or gun, making threats or demands

• Dog jumps at you, obviously attacking

• Sound of window or door being smashed

• Someone trying to forcefully open your car door at an intersection or parking lot

• Car coming through intersection against the light and headed for your car

• Write down other situations you would consider an immediate threat and the response you think would be appropriate.

When could you, WOULD you use lethal force? What is the legal criteria for the use of deadly force where you live? (Please refer to text book or attend class with this lecture. It is outside the scope of this book to cover in detail.)

Daily exercise - solo drill - most important drill you can do!

• Practice looking at your surroundings at all times when out of your home, getting into or out of your car.

• Be aware at all times of the people around you, coming from (or around) cars or buildings.

• The usual “personal space” is between one to five feet diameter around you. This is the zone most people are aware of, if at all. It is important to extend that aware zone out to at least 20 feet. Measure off a 20 foot diameter circle and practice looking out to that distance frequently. Then, when you are out, practice being AWARE of who and what is inside that circle.

• Notice their HANDS and faces. Both will tell you a great deal about their intentions and capacity to threaten you. Do not ignore women or older children! They can be criminals too. Listen to your guts.

• Know exactly where you are going, how you plan to get there. Learn how to use a map or GPS.

• Don't pick up hitch hikers! If you see a road hazard or people in trouble, call for help, but don't stop if you are unarmed and/or alone.

• Move your head as well as your eyes. Scan your surroundings frequently. (Scan beyond normal area to get “the big picture” just as you should when driving.)

• Walk with a brisk stride, head up and strong posture. Avoid looking lost or confused, even if you are!! If you look like a victim, you may well be one. If you look like you are aware and in control, you will probably be left alone. Remember that criminals want HELPLESS, frightened victims.

• Make a definite plan of action for each potential danger you identify. Most will be very simple, but without a plan you will be far less apt to react quickly enough to avoid trouble.

• Describe people and things to yourself to build the habit of really seeing your surroundings

• If you are out with children, you will need to divide your attention. Don’t forget to be aware of what is going on around you as well as what the kids are doing. Anticipating danger is even MORE important when children are present, of course.

• Always lock your doors and car. It’s a small price to pay for increased security.

• Always keep your strong hand free as much as possible when out of the house – especially if you carry a gun.

If you are usually totally or mostly unaware, this may be a difficult habit to break, but persistence and determination will eventually prevail.

Don't give up. Determine never to be a victim of a criminal or a negligent accident.

******

*NRA Certified instructor and other certification for handguns, self defense. Thirty years teaching and shooting experience.

"I Am Not A Victim" is a booklet written as supplemental material for my handgun and self defense classes. It is available free to anyone who will send me an email and request it.