Jogging paths: Hunting grounds for rapists?

• Do not run alone.  There is strength in numbers and most assailants will not attack multiple potential victims in such a setting.
• Avoid running in areas where the woods or brush come right up to the running path. Do not run with earphones connected to iPods, etc. You can’t hear someone running up behind you or the sound of bikes and cars as they approach.
• Be alert to the area where you run and know who leaves just before and just after you along the same trail.
• Vary the time and trails that you run on.  Don’t allow a potential assailant to set his watch by the time you hit the same trail every day.
• Always run against traffic. You want to be able see a vehicle before it approaches you.
• Don’t stop or approach a vehicle driven by a person asking questions or directions of you. Simply shrug and continue your run while remembering who tried to stop you. Don’t challenge the person, but simply move on.
• If you see the same vehicle twice during your run, perhaps believing the vehicle is following you, make a mental note of the description of the car, its driver, and its license plate.
• Consider carrying a cell phone, and either a whistle or mace to use to attract attention and/or to defend yourself.
• Always carry some form or personal identification, perhaps with a contact telephone number for a friend or family member.
• Always trust your intuition. If a situation doesn’t feel right or a person doesn’t look right, leave the area as soon as possible.
• Consider an escape route should you be confronted. Run to and not away from people and population groups.
• Different people will give you different advice as what to do if attacked. Some attackers will leave you alone if you scream or fight back, while other assailants may enjoy the fight and see your resistance as a stimulus. Think about what your response would be in advance and don’t freeze up, no matter what your assailant says.    

Clint Van Zandt is a former FBI agent, behavioral profiler and hostage negotiator as well as an MSNBC analyst. His Web site, www.LiveSecure.org, provides readers with security-related information.

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