As I was in my car waiting at a traffic light today, I noticed a young lady running with earbuds. She had paused at the intersection, waiting for traffic to clear. It occurred to me how easily someone could come up behind her with a sucker punch or other ill harm.
Being aware of your surroundings at all times is the best defense you have against any potential attack. To do this:
- Keep at least one, preferably both ears unplugged. Perhaps you could just let the ear buds hang around your neck or over your ears.
- Keep your head up
- Put your shoulders back
- Walk with a purpose
- Casually glance over your shoulder and around you
- If you feel threatened change the environment: go in a store, cross the street, etc.
Knockout is a tragic so-called game where teens appear to randomly sucker-punch strangers with the goal of knocking them unconscious with a single blow. It is supposed to show off the attackers bravado. But a brutal, random attack on an unsuspecting pedestrian is actually a display of cowardness. This activity of preying on others then walking off laughing shows no respect for your fellow man; no regard for human life. These assaults can and have been fatal.
Stay aware! Stay safe!
