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33 Dangerous Places You Visit Everyday

“The world is a dangerous place to live” - Albert Einstein

We’re not talking about active volcanoes or cartel-feuding territory.

Regular places that you frequent everyday can be the most dangerous for your personal safety.  From parks to parking lots, predators hunt for victims in the most desolate and defenseless locations.

If you want to learn some basic self-defense strategies in everyday situations, this article is for you.

Continue reading for several places you frequent everyday that are surprisingly more dangerous than you might imagine.

1. Parking Lots

Parking lots are large, dark, and unsupervised, and pose several safety risks

Parking lots are one of the best places for criminals to look for victims.  Over 90% of American households own a car and use parking lots regularly. There are several criteria that make parking lots dangerous including:

• Desolate and not populated
• Dimly lit from low-quality and sparse lighting
• Low ceilings
• Confined with vehicles making escaping difficult
• Filled with vehicles for criminals to hide and wait for their victims

Criminals actively use areas like parking lots to attack or abduct victims.  They like to use darkness as a cover for their misconduct, and prey on victims in desolate areas where others can’t help.  Read our everyday tips to stay safe in a parking lot:

• Always park as close to the entrance as possible
• Make sure to check your surroundings as you’re looking for a spot
• Never park next to a suspicious looking vehicle or cars with blacked out windows
• Check inside your car before entering
• If there’s ever a threat always stay inside your car, lock all doors, and drive away
• If there’s a threat outside your car, never leave your car as you’ll lose a powerful barrier of protection
• Remember that your car is also a weapon that you can use if needed by driving into criminals that want to hurt you
• Always keep legal self-defense weapons readily accessible in your car

2. Running Paths

Unsuspecting joggers can be easy targets for predators

Running paths have become a new hunting ground for predators preying on unsuspecting joggers.  Several criteria make running paths dangerous including:

• Desolate areas that can be scarcely populated depending on location
• Joggers that are physically weak from exercise fatigue
• Joggers’ lack of awareness due to headphones
• Joggers’ lack of physical protection and self-defense weapons due to light fitness attire

You can read our in-depth article on jogger self-defense and safety here: Jogger Safety Tips.  Our quick rundown of how to approach running paths while getting some exercise is:

• Vary your route and schedule
• Avoid running at night or when it’s dark
• Avoid desolate paths
• Run with other people or dogs

3. Parks

Parks represent fun and summertime, but can be dangerous due to their size, desolateness, and isolation

Parks are home to little league baseball games, marathons, and summer barbecues.  They are dedicated social green spaces providing relaxation and nature to people who want to get away from the hustle and grind of everyday work life.

Parks can also be very perilous due to their size, isolation, and natural obstacles.  Most parks are quite vast containing meadows, gardens, lakes, ponds, roads, running paths, tunnels, bridges, or fields.  They can be filled with trees, bushes, flowers, shrubbery, and other wildlife that do a great job of creating shadows and hiding spots.  Due to their vastness and natural obstacles, parks can be desolate, isolated, and a preferred location for attackers.

Avoid venturing off into uncharted territories that could make you a vulnerable target including side trails and tunnels.  Be wary of park bathrooms as they’re not consistently monitored and are freely open to the public.  If you find yourself under attack, remember that parks have natural objects that can be used as weapons including dirt, sand, gravel, rocks, and sticks.

4. Subways

Subways have always been associated with criminal activity since they're underground, dirty, and enclosed

Subways are part of the average person’s daily commute and an integral part of modern cities’ public transportation system.  They're also small confined spaces, openly accessible to the public, and can result in dangerous situations.

For best safety practices, occupy the subway car with the conductor.  This might be the first, last, or middle car. Stand closer to the subway doors so you can easily flee if there’s an aggressor.  If you’re in a crowded train and someone inappropriately touches or attacks you, fight back and alert other passengers of what’s happening. Perhaps a bystander will selflessly intervene or at the very least someone will seek help.

If the subway is in motion, try to strike the attacker to shock him, and then run towards other passengers or down the subway car.  This can give you enough time to retrieve and arm self-defense weapons.

In general, you need to plan to defend yourself and not rely on the aid of a stranger.  Trains and subways have strong metal railings and poles that people hold onto while traveling. Use these surfaces to your advantage by grabbing them to hold you up or to give you more leverage, power, and stability when you’re under attack.

5. Elevators

Elevators are dangerous spaces that we use everyday because they're extremely small, confined, and can result in a victim being susceptible to attack

Similar to subways, stand toward the front of the elevator and near the control panel.  If you’re attacked, press the buttons to as many floors as possible so the elevator opens frequently and you have the chance to escape.  Do not press the red stop button as that will stop the elevator in place. Look for a help button or call button.  Verbally telling the aggressor that there’s a camera in the elevator may stop him from committing a crime or discourage him from continuing one.  

The same notion is true though; in a violent crime situation you will be fighting for your life.  Cameras may not deter the attacker if his goal is to kill you. You’ll have to use any weapons or fighting techniques possible to defend yourself.

6. Stairwells

Eliciting the image of a dimly lit, barren flight of steps, stairwells can be unsafe in many situations

Stairwells can be risky because of their poor lighting, isolation, and lack of escape routes.  If you’re in an unfamiliar environment and you have the choice of taking an elevator or stairwell, opt for the elevator.

If you’re in a stairwell, be keenly vigilant.  Utilize your senses and listen for footsteps as that’s the best indicator if someone else is in the stairwell.  If you do not hear footsteps and you see someone sketchy in a stairwell, you should be suspicious, walk in the other direction and exit at the nearest floor.  

If you’re engaged in a physical altercation, try to use the handrails to your advantage by grabbing them for leverage, stability, and power. If you’re being attacked and there’s a fire alarm, pull it.  Building occupants are forced to take stairs to exit the building, the fire department will respond, and the attacker might be spooked and flee the scene.

7. Offices

Offices are equipped with high security measures and a plethora of objects and projectiles to use as weapons if you're ever attacked

Corporate settings like offices and businesses typically don’t experience much personal violent crime.  In a professional setting, females in particular should unfortunately expect and prepare to face non-life-threatening dangers such as sexual harassment.  The chances of an assailant violently attacking you while you’re at your computer are much lower than in other environments.

If faced with verbal sexual harassment by a coworker, you should verbally set your boundaries.  After the first incident, let him know what he said or did was inappropriate and to not do it again.  Some people may truly not know they were crossing your boundary. Or perhaps your boundary is more strict than the social norm. If that’s the case, it’s fine to have strict boundaries, but you have to let others know before seeking action against them.

If there’s a second incident, verbally assert your boundaries again and inform him you’ll be notifying a manager or supervisor if it happens again.  If it happens a third time then clearly this individual doesn’t respect your boundaries or cannot control himself and you must escalate it to a supervisor or manager.  In some instances, you may need to report the incident immediately to a supervisor based on its seriousness.

Always be aware of the exits, stairwells, and escape routes in case there’s an emergency.  Office environments typically have access to a large assortment of handheld weapons including scissors, letter openers, pens, and pencils, or projectiles such as electronics, staplers, and small office equipment.  Most private offices or conference rooms lock, so you can run away, secure yourself in a room, and call the police.

8. Mountains

Visiting mountains intrigues us due to their massive size and mystique, but safety precautions need to be observed due to poor cell phone service, lack of equipment, and isolation

There will be spotty cell phone service due to lack of towers on a mountain.  Make sure to notify friends or family of your plans before you lose service. Download any maps or guides to your phone ahead of time.  

Always bring equipment when visiting mountains - if not for self-defense than for general outdoor safety and survival. A hunting knife is one of the best all-around tools that you can bring for both natural survival and self-defense purposes.

Lastly, understand your isolation on a mountain. It could take a very long time for police or other emergency vehicles to reach you. Similar to parks and outdoor spaces, you can arm yourself with rocks, stones, or sticks if you need to protect yourself.

9. Tunnels

Tunnels are generally harmless thoroughfares, but due to their inherent closed-off structure, they can present dangerous safety concerns for everyday citizens

Tunnels comprise park tunnels, car tunnels, subway tunnels, or any underground passage connecting two or more different areas.  The biggest risk with tunnels is that you’re trapped and normally only have two escape routes.

Potential criminals may block your exits to trap you.  The best preventative measures are to look behind you before entering a tunnel to determine if there’s anyone following you or watching you.  Also look into the tunnel and out the other end to determine if there’s any suspicious individuals looking at you.

If you find yourself trapped in a tunnel by criminals clearly blocking your exits and your life is at risk, your best option is to forcefully and deliberately try to escape from one exit and through one of the criminals.  This is better than waiting in the middle for the criminals to slowly corner and outnumber you.

10. Entrances and Exits

Doors are the physical barriers to our environments, and must be cautiously and quickly secured upon entering and exiting them

This is the general category for entrances and exits whether it’s building doors, car doors, or hotel rooms.  When you enter or exit any door, always check your surroundings, and immediately lock and secure it. When you arrive to your car, survey the area first, then get into your car.  Before doing anything else, make sure to lock your car door. Most new car doors automatically lock when you put the car into reverse or drive, but we recommend locking the doors upon entering the car.

When you arrive home, survey your surroundings, enter the front door, and immediately lock it.  Don’t put your bag down first then lock it. The first thing you should do is secure your environment.  Most predators are very methodical and will seem innocent and wait until you are out of sight before acting.  He could be watching you at a far enough distance and once you enter your car and are out of sight, he’ll quickly close the distance and try to attack you with the element of surprise.  

If you enter an environment (house, car, room) and someone is trying to force their way in behind you, closing the door and securing it will dictate your survival.  Do everything in your power to get his arm or leg out of the door so you can shut it completely. Viciously kick his leg, bite his arm, or use other objects to injure whatever limb is preventing the door from being closed.

11. Restrooms

Whether public or semi-public, restrooms can be a perilous commonly-used location due to their desolation and open access

Public restrooms at parks, train stations, or malls can be very dangerous environments.  Access is unrestricted, restrooms can be desolate, and there are several stalls and areas for an attacker to hide.

When you have to go, you have to go, so there’s nothing you can really do to avoid public restrooms.   Make sure to be especially vigilant when you approach and enter them. Utilize all your senses and listen for any odd sounds.  Semi-public restrooms in offices or buildings should still demand a proper amount of caution.

Restrooms are a prime spot for attackers because there is normally only one entrance/exit and unfortunately there aren’t many handheld objects in a restroom someone can use to defend herself.

12. Schools and Universities

Educational institutions are large facilities encompassing many areas and while they're generally safe, you should be mindful of potential hazards

You shouldn’t be particularly susceptible to personal violent crime in an educational setting due to the populated environments.  However in recent times school shootings have become more prevalent, and while still rare, they can occur at your school.

In general always be aware of your closest escape routes, exits, hiding spaces, closets, and any potential usable weapons.  Most schools and colleges now have active shooter training for teachers and students.

Many schools are also publicly accessible, meaning there isn’t security or a doorman at every entrance or exit.  High risk areas like college restrooms and stairwells should receive an uptick in alertness.

13. Nightlife

When darkness ensues and the clock strikes midnight, many criminals prefer to commit their felonies, and people need to be extra vigilant when out having fun

Bars, lounges, parties, and clubs are environments naturally filled with intoxicated patrons, high emotions, and questionable intentions.  Regardless of your agenda, most people at bars, lounges and clubs are there to meet new people or have fun.

As mental states are altered through alcohol, decisions and intentions may also be skewed.  It’s important to be vigilant of your surroundings and the people around you.

Many females have been “roofied” when someone slips the date rape drug Rohypnol into their drink.  Always hold onto your drink and keep your friends’ drinks in sight. Stay with your friends and if someone leaves the group, she should inform the rest of the group.  Stay in contact via text message if your group wants to split up. If a stranger is being aggressive or inappropriate, alert the bartender, manager, or bouncer, and they’ll help assuage the situation.

Overall nightlife situations shouldn’t be a place of fear, but you should understand that you are in a high-intensity environment and be aware of your personal safety.

14. Banks/ATMs

Banks and ATMs are very susceptible to nonviolent crime such as muggings

People go to banks or ATMs to either drop off money or take out money. Due to their inherent financial implications, crimes of theft and mugging are more likely to occur at banks and ATMs than in other locations.  

If not handled properly, a theft can turn into manslaughter.  Always hand over your money or bank cards if someone with a weapon tries to rob you.  Saving $100 bucks is not worth potentially losing your life. Your bank may even reimburse you for the money lost in a theft, if merely for the positive publicity.  

15. Cars

If prepped and used properly, cars can be one of your safest havens even if you have to drive through shady neighborhoods or pass corrupt criminals

Always practice protective driving and vehicle self-defense.  Cars can be one of the most safe environments from potential perpetrators as long as you take necessary precautions.  Here are some vehicle protective mindsets to follow:

• When in the driver’s seat always take advantage of the car’s built in surveillance tools - observe your surroundings via your rear-view mirror, side-view mirrors, and peripheral vision
• When driving, be vigilant to cars that might be following you
• When stopped, be aware of individuals who approach your car and pay attention to their entire presence - clothing, body language, mannerisms, eyes, etc.  
• If stopped at a red light, in a parking lot, or other stagnant positions, always have an escape route
• Never stop right behind the car in front of you.  Give yourself enough space so that if someone with a gun ran toward your car, you’d be able to pivot to a different lane and drive away
• If legally allowed you should keep one or more self-defense weapons in your car that are easily accessible

16. Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

Supermarkets are publicly accessible and can be desolate depending on the time and location

Supermarkets and grocery stores are moderately safe places but should receive an uptick in alertness.  They are publicly accessible, partitioned off, and can be desolate depending on the location. In a dangerous situation, your best defense is to verbally call out for help.  There are also plenty of projectiles to use as weapons like food, bottles, and cans. If possible, try to use the maze-like structure of a grocery store or supermarket to your advantage to hide or flee from an attacker.

17. Hallways/Corridors

Hallways and corridors create a narrow pinch point where you have to pass others with virtually zero space between you and a potential attacker

Hallways and corridors are found in various environments from offices, to homes, to public spaces.  The bottom line is they are enclosed and confined spaces that can be very dangerous for personal safety.  In order to pass someone, you must decrease your distance to virtually zero and this gives a potential predator the perfect opportunity to strike.  

In a hallway or corridor you need to include all factors in your decision making.  If you are in your office hallway with many coworkers and there’s a suspicious man walking towards you in the opposite direction, then you will probably be safe based on the busy environment.  However if you’re walking through a building basement corridor and there’s a suspicious man walking towards you in the opposite direction, then you should be wary and take whatever actions necessary to ensure your personal well-being.  This does include possibly offending him and deciding to turn around and take a different path.

18. Alleyways

We advise you to avoid alleyways at all costs if you’re alone or in a bad area

Alleyways are publicly accessible, desolate, narrow, and a desired spot for perpetrators to hunt for victims.  It’s best to avoid the shortcut home through the alley if you can spare the extra few minutes.

19. Lakes and Ponds

Lakes and ponds are natural bodies of water that are unsupervised, uncontrolled, and openly accessible to the public

They have an eerie feeling to them and carry high potential violent crime risk.  Lakes and ponds have unknown depths of water, mysterious backdrops, and desolate environments made of bushes and shrubbery.  When you combine all the criteria, it makes sense why predators find lakes and ponds an ideal spot to prey on victims.

In these environments, make sure to have self-defense weapons readily accessible.  We advise to never explore a lake or pond by yourself, especially if you’re female.  However if you’re a solo female traveler, we would encourage you to experience the environment with a self-defense weapon in hand. If you elect to visit a lake by yourself, do so during the day, make sure to go when it’s more populated, and be very aware of any suspicious individuals around you.  

Unfortunately in these situations, you have to use whatever information is available to you.  That means if the person coming in the opposite direction is wearing clothing that’s not appropriate for the season, weather, location, etc. then you will have to make quick judgments about his intentions.  That might mean offending him and quickly walking away, but that’s not your concern.

20. Streets

Streets are publicly accessible thoroughfares that are traveled by everyone from the little 12-year old girl scout to the FBI’s most wanted

Streets is another broad category and unquestionably includes the full spectrum of crime.  The first rule is to always observe your environment and the people around you.  If something is suspicious, be proactive and move away from the questionable activity.  Guard your personal belongings from muggers as those situations can turn violent. If you have a self-defense weapon, make sure it’s easily accessible.  There’s not much we can do to avoid streets. Make sure you are always vigilant and not glued to your phone.

21. Boats and Ships

Boats and cruise ships are generally safe vessels, however you need to be mindful of random and rare acts of personal violence

If you are with friends or family on a cruise, always stay together on the ship. If you are alone, try to avoid areas that make you vulnerable to being attacked or possibly pushed overboard.  

An all-inclusive alcohol deal is common on many cruise ships.  We encourage you to have fun and make the most of your cruise package, but don’t get so intoxicated that you are an easy victim for someone to attack or push overboard.

Smaller boats can provide a fun day trip on the water.  However, be aware that on a boat there are no escape routes as you’re surrounded by water.  Make sure you know the people you’re on the boat with and that they have good intentions.

22. Motorcycles

Motorcycles are fast and adventurous but they also leave the driver and any passengers fully exposed

Safety equipment like helmets and durable jackets should always be worn. We advise motorcyclists to be extra courteous and respectful to others on the road as someone in a car could easily knock you off your motorcycle at high speeds for no reason at all.  Understand that you will stand out being on a bike and are naturally a target. It’s best to follow all traffic laws, stay in lane, and assertively claim your space on the road.

23. Buses

Public transportation via buses tends to fall in the middle regarding personal safety

Different countries and cities have different types of public bus systems. Bus systems in the United States and developed countries tend to be safer because they’re used regularly for daily commuting.  There are also strict laws for assaulting a bus driver, and hence the environment on a bus is more protected.

However there’s typically only one operator on a bus and he’s the driver, so for the most protection you should sit or stand as close to the front of the bus as possible.  This puts you in communication with the driver, and gives you an escape route out the front door if there’s a dangerous situation.

24. Camping

When you camp, you're willingly exposing yourself to the potential dangers and vulnerability of being one with nature

Camping is a fun outdoor activity that will help you connect with nature and disconnect from technology.  It’s great bonding time with friends and family, forces you to problem solve, and makes you appreciate the things you have in life.  In terms of personal safety, camping can be dangerous.  

Camping forces you to be out in the wilderness without any physical barriers except for a penetrable tent.  You’ll probably be sleeping in a tent and especially vulnerable to a violent attack at night. We’re not discouraging people from camping, but advise individuals to be aware of these factors and take proper safety precautions.

Primarily, ensure that you have self-defense weapons near you in your tent while you sleep.  Also make sure that you can lock your tent from the inside for some layer of protection. If you have motion sensors you can set them up around your campground, which would alert you to predators while you sleep.

25. Bedrooms

The one place where everybody is defenseless the most is the bedroom

Bedrooms seem like a safe and secure place and the vast majority of time they are.  But keep in mind that bedrooms can be dangerous since they house you when you’re sleeping and that’s when you’re unconscious and most vulnerable.

We spend 8 hours every day in this defenseless catatonic state which can put our personal safety at risk. We’re least prepared for an attack and can be caught off guard.  The best precaution is to keep a self-defense weapon near your bed. Always make sure to lock your windows and doors, and set security alarms before going to bed.

26. Hiking

Whether you group hike or solo hike, you should be aware that hiking is a rather dangerous activity

Hiking is one of the best outdoor activities comprising exploration and physical exercise but it can be very dangerous. We’re not talking about dangerous animals like mountain lions or potential hazardous weather like extreme cold or the elements.  We’re talking about human predators.

Hiking trails can be vast, desolate, and publicly accessible.  These factors make hiking trails and hikers appealing targets for predators.  Here are some basic hiking tips:

• Plan your hike in advance.  Review trail maps and write down emergency contact information
• Tell friends and family about your hiking itinerary and logistics
• Bring self-defense products that double as natural survival gear.  This includes a good hunting knife and first aid kit
• If you’re with another person, stagger your walking formation.  This means at times walk 5 feet behind your friend. An attacker won’t have the opportunity to attack both of you at once

27. Bicycles

In 2015, an average of more than 2 people per day were killed in bicycle/vehicle crashes in the United States alone

The bike-friendly direction of many cities and countries in our world is decreasing pollution and encouraging healthy active lifestyles.  Whether you’re riding your own bike or have rented one, bike safety is very important when traveling. Many people don’t wear helmets and for best safety practices, we would advise you to wear a helmet even if it messes up your hair.  

Always use your bell for auditory alerts to drivers and pedestrians, hand motions for lane signaling, and lights at night. Your entire physical body is exposed while biking so it’s good to bike slowly and follow traffic laws. One technique we advise is to pedal very deliberately.  This will allow cars and other bikes to go off your actions which is what you want instead of being the fast, out-of-control biker that people are trying to pass.

28. Other Cities and Countries

New foreign laws, an unfamiliar environment, and less resources and tools make tourists a prime target for criminals and attackers

Traveling on business or vacation to other cities or countries, whether with other people or solo, is one of the greatest pleasures of life.  It can also be one of the most dangerous positions to put yourself in. 

The number one tip for traveling is to plan your trip in advance.  The flight, lodging, transportation, itinerary, attractions, restaurants, and activities should be researched and planned in advance.  It doesn’t mean you have to book everything and plan out every day of your trip. People normally leave an open day or two for resting or exploring something not on the itinerary.  The bottom line is to familiarize yourself as much as possible with the new destination and plan out your days. The more concrete your plans are, the better you’ll be prepared to handle a precarious situation.

Another important traveling tip is to know you will stand out.  Tourists always stand out whether they’re wearing different styles of clothing or they’re gazing around taking in new sights.  Be wary of strangers persistently offering you help. The last and most common tip is to be aware of your surroundings. Since you stand out, other people will notice you.  Don’t be afraid to “notice” them back, so they know you’re vigilant and not an easy target.

29. Taxis/Cabs

Generally safe, taxis and cabs carry potential personal safety risks due to their enclosed cabin and lack of escape routes

People love the comfort and convenience of taxis and car services like Uber and Lyft, and with it comes a generally safer experience.  Going literally door-to-door eliminates a lot of potential hazards associated with traveling. There are new services within these apps like “Uber Pool” or “Lyft Line” where you ride with other strangers, but there’s still not much alarm for violent crime.  

However, taxis and cabs put you in a confined and desolate space and normally no escape routes.  Most taxis and cabs can lock the doors especially if he’s traveling at high speeds. Always make sure to confirm that the cab picking you up matches the car description, license plate number, and driver photo on your app.  For taxis, check the medallion, license and registration to ensure the driver is legal.

30. Malls

All shopping centers have areas like hallways, elevators, parking lots, stairwells or public restrooms and these areas can be very perilous for unsuspecting mallgoers

Malls are a popular destination for young kids and couples to frequent.  Shopping centers aren’t high on the danger list. They’re normally populated at all hours of the day, well lit, and overseen by maintenance workers and security.  However there are mall areas that are more prone to personal violent crime that have been listed above. When transitioning from the main mall area to one of these secondary areas, make sure to follow proper self-defense protocol and be on higher alert.

31. Phone Calls/Text Messages

As the digital world continues to evolve alongside our physical world, the dangers of phone calls and text messages also grows

Non-physical locations need a place on this list as well.  Phone calls and text messages fall into the category of someone having your number and contacting you electronically.  Here are some general tips:

• Never give out personal information over the phone or text message
• If a stranger contacts you, never taunt, encourage, or challenge him over the phone or text message - people can be vengeful
• If someone suspicious calls or texts you, the first thing to do is ignore them
• If he keeps calling or texting you, block his number
• If it gets worse you can report it to your local police department

32. Social Media

Social media relationships can precipitate real life interactions and it's important to take proper safety precautions so your personal information doesn't fall into the wrong hands

Social media through platforms such as Facebook or Instagram are the new medium for socializing and maintaining relationships especially for younger generations.  Physical violent crime is virtually impossible to occur in an online environment. But many online interactions can lead to in-person meetings, and that’s when your personal safety might be in danger.  

Similar to phones and text messages, don’t disclose private information on your social media profiles. Social media has evolved to live streaming and check-ins. While these features are fun and create strong engagement with followers, keep in mind that you’re also allowing everyone to know your exact whereabouts.  Take precaution in how much and how often you reveal your personal information.

33. Online Dating

Use online dating to properly vet any potential suitors - both for compatibility and for personal safety

Online dating is a little bit different.  The purpose of online dating is to eventually meet someone in person.  Here are some basic online dating tips:

• Screen potential dates properly.  This will ensure they are who they say they are and that you get along before meeting in person.  Where does he live? What does he do for a living and for fun?
• Meet at a public location.  It can be a coffee shop, restaurant, or bar and make sure it’s not in a remote location
• Plan your logistics ahead of time.  Plan how you will get to and from the location and when you plan to arrive and leave
• Share the details of the date, the guy’s profile, and other information with your friends or family.  It’s always better to be safe than sorry
• Some people take longer to get comfortable and warm up than others.  But don’t feel bad if you get a negative vibe and decide to end the date early

BONUS: 6 Commonly Frequented Locations that are Very Safe

1. Beaches

The relaxing atmosphere, bright sun, and populated areas allow beaches to stay relatively safe

Beaches are a very safe environment regarding your personal safety and the likelihood of individual violent crime.  Most beaches have lifeguards, and are managed and overseen by personnel and security.  As with all outdoor areas, once night falls you are more prone to dangerous situations.

2. Pools

Pools are normally in a private or semi-private facility and supervised by lifeguards and management

Pools are a safe environment when it comes to personal violent crime.  People at a pool are normally members, owners, or registered guests and the likelihood of violent crime is very low.

3. Restaurants

Restaurants are safe environments as they are private, overseen by staff, and populated by like-minded patrons

The likelihood of a violent crime occurring to you is low in a restaurant. Be mindful of restroom safety since they have semi-private access depending on the location.  Take note of where the exits and escape paths are located in case there’s an emergency. Remember that in a dangerous situation, you’ll have utensils, forks, knives and possibly glassware immediately accessible to fight with.

4. Gyms

Gyms are normally a very safe environment and in a rare dangerous situation, there would be other gymgoers to help you, and equipment you can use to fend off an aggressor

Gyms, fitness centers, sports clubs and exercise studios all fit this category.  These institutions will have a large amount of oversight and aren’t prone to personal violence.  If you were ever attacked in a gym, the best course of action would be to call for help. In a populated gym there will be many athletic, big, testosterone-infused individuals willing to help someone in need.  If you need to defend yourself, the exercise weights, plates, bars, and equipment can be used as handheld weapons or projectiles. 

5. Airports and Planes

Rigorous airport safety measures, highly populated areas, and heavily armed security make airports and hence airplanes very safe

Personal violent crime at airports and on planes is a rare occurrence.  If you were ever in a personal violent crime situation at an airport or on a plane, your best aid would be calling out for help. Military guards, crew members, or even compassionate travelers would most likely rush to help you.

6. Kitchens

Your kitchen has an infinite amount of objects and tools to use as projectiles and weapons

Salt and pepper shakers can be used as excellent projectiles to keep distance between you and your attacker.  Grab a frying pan as a handheld weapon or arm yourself with a sharp knife. Pots of boiling water can be difficult to “throw” and you might end up burning yourself - better to avoid this one.  In a violent crime situation anything goes, so use whatever kitchen utensil you can to fight off an aggressor.

Conclusion

Any regular location can be dangerous under certain circumstances.  Most of these locations share similar traits including:

• Desolation - Not many people around
• Isolation - Physically secluded
• Openly Accessible - Public or free to visit
• Confined Spaces - Victims are forced into close proximity to predators
• Dark - Dim lighting or lack of sunlight
• Partitioned / Obstructed - Hiding spots for criminals
• Unsuspecting Victims - Not paying attention
• Lack of Weapons - Impractical to carry or unable to retrieve quickly

If you pay attention to the elements above, you will be more aware of your surroundings and can avoid most dangerous situations in the first place.  A lot of it is "thinking like a predator" so you can determine if you're vulnerable from his perspective.  Feel free to pass this along to loved ones so together we can create a safer world.