subject: How to Stay Safe in a Parking Lot [print this page] At some point in time, most people find themselves walking through a parking lot alone. Especially if this happens at night, it is very important to learn self defense. Self defense techniques can get you out of some sticky situations. However, when you learn self defense, you want to also pay close attention to the actual self defense techniques that help you avoid danger instead of having to fight it off.
Danger can be lurking in a parking lot during daylight hours just as easily as it can at night. However, walking through a parking lot that is dimly lit does increase risk. After the sun goes down, it is recommended that you either avoid walking alone at all, or that you employ self defense techniques that will keep you safe as you get to your car.
First, you must always be aware of your surroundings. This is just as true during daytime as it is after nightfall. At night, however, you've got to watch shadows and actually check under your car as well as in the back seat. To have the ability to check, you should carry a small flashlight. Flashlights come in tiny sizes now that can easily attach right to your key ring. You can also carry your keys and flashlight on the end of a lanyard worn around your neck.
As you approach your vehicle, bend down and shine the light underneath. You want to be several feet away when you do this, so if anyone is hiding there they cannot reach you easily. When you get to your car, quickly sweep the light across the back seat as you are unlocking the door. You don't want to spend too much time outside of your vehicle in a dimly lit parking lot. The goal is to get inside and lock your doors immediately.
Sitting inside your car is safer than standing outside; but it is still not as safe as you may think. Do not sit in your vehicle in a dark parking lot. Get in, lock up, and get wheels moving as quickly as possible. Just because you are inside of your car does not mean you are impervious to danger. When you learn self defense, unless you study for years, you will not be an expert on fighting inside of a car. It is simply the easiest thing to do to get out of a parking lot quickly.
Self defense techniques are any moves that you take to protect yourself. This can be in the way of actual fighting; or it can be through personal protection items such as pepper spray. Pepper spray is a tremendous weapon to use for self defense. It is highly effective and available for a reasonable price.
Canisters of pepper spray come in various sizes, and you can easily find a size that will comfortably fit into a purse or pocket. Just as all other self defense techniques, it is important to learn how to use pepper spray correctly in order for it to be most effective.
