People Are Sharing Their Best "Street Smart" Tips And Tricks That Could Seriously Save Lives
People who have street smarts have a significant advantage over those who don't.
Some of the best safety tips are the ones people only learn after spending time in a busy city. That is exactly why this Reddit roundup stands out, because the advice is practical, blunt, and often the kind of thing you wish someone had told you sooner.
People shared the street-smart habits they rely on to stay aware, avoid trouble, and handle unfamiliar situations in urban areas. The result is a mix of simple reminders and surprisingly sharp observations that can make a real difference when you are navigating a crowded place.
From everyday awareness to quick thinking in tense moments, these 40 tips show how much small choices can matter. Read on.
1. Yes, it's always because they want something.
stankhunt2. Yet another great piece of advice for everyday life.
"Never flash your entire wad of cash in a public place while paying for something. Keep a few bucks loose in one pocket for spending.Keep the majority of your cash in a separate pocket. Don’t open a wallet full of all your money where other people can see you."
MrsDoctorSea3. Let people know where you are.
"If you’re going to be away on holiday or somewhere unfamiliar for any length of time, it’s a good idea to ensure that someone knows roughly where you’re going to be and what you’re going to be doing on a given day. Even if you’re like me and don’t like to plan out a full itinerary, a rough indication of your plans can help others track your movements if there is ever an issue."
lukemantel
4. Fighting is not necessary.
WatchTheBoom
5. Great advice.
criuggn
6. In a pinch, act crazy.
damienn22
7. Pay attention to the exits.
"Always know where the exits are in any place you enter so that you don’t get lost in an emergency. Also, never place yourself in a 'hole' in public where there is only one entrance and exit and no other people around.These are often crime hotspots."
StefanFaniePetrus
8. Do this no matter where you are.
"Lock your doors as soon as you’re in your car."
kothecat
9. I've never heard this, but it's very smart.
"Carry an extra wallet with $50 in it and throw it if someone tries to rob you. STREET SMARTS!"
spacemanspiff66
10. Um, okay then.
_HorseInTheHospital
11. This is great overall life advice.
unknown
12. Be smart.
acelkins720
13. This is great advice.
"Having good manners and speaking with respect will keep you from getting into trouble you didn't know was there."
Sin117
14. Always be cautious.
"You should always be wary of secondary locations."
ShinyNinja25
15. Look like you belong there.
reality_beast
16. Also, don't tell them that you aren't from the area.
"Don’t ever tell the cab driver you don’t know where you’re going."
H0T-S0UP
And if you’re stuck on “paying last minute,” this Reddit debate about backing out of splitting vacation costs hits hard.
17. You never know the intentions.
Coughlan16
18. Don't trust taxi drivers no matter what.
"Do not trust taxi drivers if you are a tourist."
silverguy23
19. Trust your gut.
"If the situation doesn't feel right, it's not right. Trust your spidey sense."
E_911
20. Always be prepared.
"Wear shoes you can run away in."
Crocutaborealis
21. Okay, but this is smart.
MissMurderpants
22. Very smart advice.
"Look up and notice if street lights have been shot out or smashed. If so, avoid those areas at night—there's a reason they've been disabled..."
Back2Bach
23. Always pay attention to your surroundings.
"You might be 'correct' when you have the right of way, but you're still the one who will be dead when you get hit by a car if you're walking or on your bike."
Dajerts
24. Wear your SPF.
H3rta
25. Follow their lead.
"If a group of people suddenly gets down, so do you."
aardvarkheart
26.
NintendosBitch
27. Advice for being in an unfamiliar city.
"If I'm in an unfamiliar city, I'll explore freely in every neighborhood as long as there are women and kids around. Most moms don't hang outside with their kids if the street or area is unsafe.This worked very well for most throughout Latin America, Europe, and Asia."
=Xiaozhu
28. Great advice for kids.
"Adults DO NOT ask children for help."
ninten-dont
29. When kids get lost.
"Street smarts to give your kids: if you get lost, find the closest adult with kids. I saw this in action once at Disneyland when a 4-year-old approached me and my kids while we were eating.She joined us very calmly, introduced herself, and said her parents gave her the above advice. I heard her parents shouting her name not long after, and the relief on their faces was a sight."
Aguacero7
30. Definitely do not brake.
"If you're driving and hit black ice, just take your foot OFF the gas, BUT DON'T BRAKE until the slide stops."
AltheaInLove
31. ATMs can be sketchy.
"Before using any ATM, tug hard on the plastic card reader. Scammers often put a fake one on top that steals your info."
MrJuniperBreath
32. This could work too.
midnightsy
33. Not everyone is a friend.
Geddysbass
34.
"You won’t get mugged if you look like you’re going to mug someone."
thisisntnamman
35. Both people lose.
"When it comes to knife fights: The loser dies in the street; the winner dies in the hospital."
rd1970
36. How not to be bothered by people.
"Walk fast and look pissed off."
Heroshade
37. Let them know you see them.
"Eye contact. A lone assailant will often use the element of surprise to their advantage.If you’re walking alone and someone is following you, make eye contact to let them know that you are aware of them. This will often dissuade them from attacking.This tactic has worked for me in the past."
MildlyobsessedwithSB
38. This is interesting.
"If you're walking and someone approaches, don't break stride. You can carry on a conversation while walking, but people who are looking to proselytize, sell you something, or mug you will want you to slow down or stop to address them.If they want to chat, make them keep up with you. You can even tell them that you're in a rush but would love to talk and walk.They'll likely find someone more stationary because if you can make a person slow down, you can make them stop. If you can make them stop, you've already adjusted their priorities and placed yourself at the top.It's a subtle power game. Keep going where you're going, and you retain your power. Stop and chat, and you've given it up and opened yourself to possible problems."
Diablo165
39. I wouldn't call this street smarts, but it's still good advice.
"Always ask for only one scoop of ice cream first because they make single scoops bigger, then act like you changed your mind and ask for a second scoop. They will be pressured to match the size of the first scoop, providing you with a massive amount of ice cream."
gustavoramosart
40. This is very true.
madeulook1
These tips are definitely going to come in handy when visiting new places or just being in a bustling city environment. It's wild to see that some things weren't taught to those living in smaller areas, but that could also be because many lessons come from learned experiences.
Street smarts should definitely be adopted by everyone because these tips are genuinely smart.
For more “everyday problem” makeovers, see the practical fixes in this guide to handling ordinary situations.
