40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know

This might be obvious, but I've had to use it a few times because of the areas I've lived in.

If somebody drives up to you, do NOT stand right next to the car. If the person is asking you a question or talking to you, step away and stand like you know your s**t. If they're talking too quietly for you to hear exactly what they're saying, they're probably trying to lure you closer (which I learned the hard way). Do not buy into it. If they make any sudden moves, run away in the opposite direction that they're facing and get to a major street or intersection as soon as you can. Even late at night or early in the morning, there will be people on the major roads.

The best advice, though? Trust your instincts, always. If somebody or a place gives you bad vibes, get the f**k away, and do it with confidence. It's better to come off as a b***h to a nice person than a victim to somebody who's looking for one.

The Police don't know anything. That's why they're asking you.

My wife grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She knows her s**t and has been in many sketchy situations. She says that what really matters is to read the room. Disengage if you can, but if you do have to engage be respectful and talk your way out. Even play the ditzy blonde if you have to and make a joke. Run when necessary.

Leaving space between you and the car in front of you for an escape

A decoy wallet with some small bills and s**t in it is good to carry.

If you are in a "bad neighborhood" and someone asks you for the time. Do not pull out your phone to check, and do not look away from this person. They are most likely looking to grab your phone or jump you.

If you're driving through a sketchy neighborhood or ghetto area, just roll through the stoplights/stop signs. A friend of mine had to drive through Gary, Indiana around 3:00AM for a job, and a cop pulled him over and told him to just run though the lights. You stop, you are at a much higher risk of getting your car stolen and your a*s beat.

Don’t stand near the tracks when your train is approaching.

Never show any money in public. Or count your money in front of everyone in the sidewalk. If you don’t want to be mugged

If someone asks to borrow your phone to call the police because they've just been mugged or something, say you will dial the police for them.

If they say no, they can do it, refuse. They were probably looking to run away with your phone.

Learnt this from brother's streetwise gf while in Paris.

If a group of people suddenly get down, so do you.

Don't be oblivious to your surroundings.

Do NOT walk with headphones in your ears at night or in an unfamiliar area.

Don't slouch, keep your shoulders back and your head up so you look like you know your s**t.

Stay in well-lit areas.

Don't keep more than $40 in your wallet at any given time.

Don't give cash to homeless people. Offer to buy them food instead.

I once heard to walk as if "everyone is going to mug you."

I now know that it is best to walk as if you are going to mug everyone.

Predators recognize each other.

If you take a wrong turn and find yourself lost in a bad neighborhood, don't slow down to look for street signs if there's people loitering nearby. They think you want to buy drugs.

ANY stranger talking to you is a possible threat of violence or a hustle.

Most strangers that talk to you are just being friendly or needs directions, or what ever.

If you’re not a decent fighter sober, you are not by some miracle an mma fighter because you are drunk.

The simplest advice of all: don't put yourself in bad situations.

Read your local crime blotter and a few trends will become obvious: most violent crimes occur after dark, most accidental deaths involve alcohol and cars, and too many people confess to crimes before speaking to an attorney. So get home early, don't drink and drive, and if you're ever arrested, STFU until you speak to your attorney.

Pay attention esp to someone who is paying YOU attention. Looking around and hand tapping or brushing a pocket is a bad sign. Most people are right handed, so in an altercation step to the side of that arm. They will have to reposition themselves giving you a second or two to defend. If they start repeating a phrase over and over they are going to strike for certain. The brain loses train of thought as they prepare for that. Best one tip really is to just be aware of your surroundings and know the exits. Our phones have greatly reduced this, and its bad. Your tweet, FB update can wait I promise you this. Your goal if attacked is to ESCAPE. Too many internet badasses and action movie watchers think it will end with them standing over a fallen foe doing a victory pose. Your plan will go to s**t 100% once your in a fight. Violence is chaotic and ugly in real life, and death and serious injuries happen all the time from basic assaults.

Anytime you feel like you're getting away with a steal, or some guy offers a deal that's too good to be true, it is. Don't do it. People get hustled all the time by charismatic guys who know how to play to the average person.

No self respecting business or whatever will need you to pay anything in cash with no receipt. No one is going to give you something of extreme value for super cheap unless there is something wrong with it, or you're hooked into all kinds of odd fees and s**t. Even a free car still has to have the taxes paid on it. Sorry to sound like such a downer, but 999/1000, you are not just "super lucky". That guy is trying to scam you out of something.

Knowing the greeting 'Hey, Big Man' is a trap

Always put cash in you wallet before you exit the store especially when it's dark, and put valuables GPS/Cash/phone under the seat when you enter a store in a shady neighborhood.