Remember These Situational Awareness Tips to Stay Safe in Public

By Jerry Burns

Take a second to think about how you walk down a sidewalk or drive your vehicle. Do you have your head up and take in your surroundings? Or are you distracted by your phone, unaware of what’s happening around you?

It’s easy to give in to distractions while in public, but failing to stay attentive can make you a target for crime—or cause a serious accident. According to Statista, the majority of robberies occur on roads or sidewalks. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 300,000 people were injured due to distracted driving.

When you consider these statistics, it becomes clear that practicing situational awareness and avoiding distractions are essential to staying safe.

 

The Foundations of Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is a term people use often, but few take the time to understand what it truly means.

During my time as a law enforcement officer, we defined situational awareness as the ability to perceive, understand, and respond to your surroundings by actively gathering and analyzing information around you.

I like to describe it as keeping your “head on a swivel.” This means constantly scanning your environment, listening for anything out of the ordinary, and processing what’s happening so you can act appropriately if needed.

 

Five Things You Should Pay Attention to While in Public

You can protect yourself—and those around you—by staying vigilant while out in public. Some aspects of situational awareness are learned, while others come naturally. To maintain awareness, I recommend the following:

  • Pay attention to people’s behavior and body language. We instinctively read body language and can often sense aggression or dishonesty. If someone nearby is acting strangely, create distance without drawing attention.
  • Stay aware of exit points. Whether you’re at a mall, restaurant, or on public transportation, always know how you would leave if necessary. Exit awareness helps prevent being trapped.
  • Keep personal belongings close to your body. Purses and bags carried loosely make easy targets for pickpockets. Keeping items secure discourages theft.
  • Leave your phone in your pocket. Mobile devices are one of the biggest distractions in public. If you’re scrolling or texting, you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.
  • Trust your gut. If something feels off, trust that instinct. You may be overreacting—but it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

These simple habits can make a significant difference in staying safe. Whether you’re shopping or traveling from point A to point B, situational awareness can help keep you out of trouble.

 

What to Avoid When Scanning Your Surroundings

Minimizing distractions is critical to effectively assessing your environment. To stay safe in public, avoid:

  • Looking down at your phone or the sidewalk while moving through public spaces
  • Distracted driving behaviors, such as adjusting the radio or climate controls
  • Engaging in deep conversations that cause you to tune out your surroundings

Distractions are tempting, but letting down your guard makes you a potential target. Instead, keep your head up and remain aware of the people around you.

 

Common Misconceptions About Situational Awareness

One of the most common misunderstandings is thinking situational awareness is only about paying attention. Awareness also requires having an action plan.

For example, if you notice someone suspicious approaching you in a store, awareness isn’t just recognizing their presence—it’s moving toward an exit or open space to avoid being cornered.

Situational awareness also depends on your mental state. Fatigue, stress, and lack of sleep can significantly reduce your ability to stay alert.

While threats can arise at any time, staying safe is possible through simple awareness practices. Stay rested, limit distractions, and trust your instincts to protect yourself and your family.

 

Jerry Burns is a seasoned law enforcement officer with extensive experience in patrol work, public safety initiatives, and community engagement. He is a candidate for Blount County Sheriff, focused on enhancing training, accountability, and service throughout the county.