What are the precautions you can take on foot walks for your own safety?

As we have written before, the first thing to consider when walking on foot is not to get into a routine. This means not leaving home at the same time every day, not walking the same route, not stopping at the same places, not stopping or sitting in the same places, and sometimes not leaving home at all. 

If you don't have a routine, people who want to attack you will not be able to plan a proper attack. For this reason, not engaging in routine behavior will be the biggest security measure for you. 

You should also pay attention to the following points:

If possible, wear a bulletproof vest or at least a specially made jacket and pants that protect against piercing and sharp objects. But do not rely on such equipment and act carelessly. Choose your walking route well. Use roads that are crowded during the day and well-lit at night.

Do not walk on sidewalks in the direction of vehicles. Walk on the side of the road where you can see the vehicles coming. This way, you can anticipate attacks against you by vehicles and take precautions. This will also allow you to know if you are being followed and to recognize people who may attack you on foot from behind.

See the IDs of people who say they are police or gendarmerie and ask you to come to the police station. If they cannot give a reasonable reason, do not go with them, even if their identity is correct. Also, stay away from groups arguing and fighting, and from demonstrations and protest marches. Do not get involved in incidents that do not concern you and are a matter for the security forces.

Stalking and avoidance of stalking are important:

Always pay attention to whether someone or some people are following you. It is actually not that difficult to recognize when you are being followed. First of all, you need to be alert. Do not walk absent-mindedly. Don't walk looking in front of you either. Constantly watch your surroundings without being noticed. Stop occasionally in front of shop windows to check whether you are being followed by reflections.

If you constantly see someone behind you or around you, you may be being followed. To be sure, walk normally and suddenly increase your speed or walk very slowly. If the people you see also speed up and follow behind you or slow down instead of passing you, there is a good chance they are following you. 

If you want to be absolutely sure, constantly change direction. Go in and out of shops, stores and other unrelated places. Even change direction in the opposite direction to the one you are traveling in. If you still see the people in question, it is certain that they are following you.

When you are sure that you are being followed, if you feel in danger, ask a relative for help by phone and walk to the nearest police or gendarmerie station. Or call the police/gendarmerie hotline. But do not let the person or persons following you know this. 

If you do not feel danger when you are being followed, let the person following you know that you have noticed him/her. Check the behavior of people approaching you by making 90-degree and 180-degree turns from time to time. If necessary, smile at them or ask them something casual. They will panic and stop following you.

Sometimes, depending on the professionalism of the pursuers and the nature of the pursuit route, it can be difficult to realize that you are being followed. For example, you will hardly notice someone following you on crowded streets. If more than one person is following you in shifts, it is much more difficult to realize that you are being followed. With this type of shift following, even if you suspect you are being followed, you cannot be sure.

However, there are some ways you can recognize if you are being followed. For example, if there are people who can help you, walk with at least one of them. This person may notice signs that you have missed. Also, have one or two people walk 50-60 meters behind and in front of you. People walking behind you will more easily recognize if someone is following you. 

Be alert to secondary threats as well:

People following you or trying to attack you are not the only threat when you are out and about. Depending on the country, region, city or neighborhood you are in, you may also be harmed by threats that are not directed at you. 

For example, be careful if you are in an area where criminal organizations may clash with each other or with security forces. Do not go to restaurants, cafes and entertainment places that are said to be frequented by mafia or criminal organizations. Do not go to places where you hear that drugs are being sold or illegal activities are taking place.

Another threat is attacks by terrorist organizations that have nothing to do with you. To take precautions against such threats, listen to the news on TV or radio every day. Also, follow the public warnings issued by security forces. 

Avoid going to government offices, post offices and banks in central places where large numbers of people go, for example on days that are symbolically important for terrorist organizations. Do not stand near garbage containers or trash bins. 

Do not stand on iron covers in culverts or on roads for water drainage. These are suitable places to plant explosives. Do not pass by military installations or police stations. Do not pass by boarding points where official services gather. 

Terrorists try to inflict as many casualties as possible in order to make their actions sound good. That is why they often plant bombs on busy streets and in places where people gather for any reason. Do not go to such places. If you have to, watch out for signs such as unattended bags. Move away from them quickly and inform the police immediately. Finish your business in crowded places as quickly as possible and leave quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a person who is likely to be exposed to threats and risks of attack, plan according to all possible possibilities when walking on foot as well as at home and in your vehicle. Take precautions by considering all possible threats.