Everyone likes to think they’re always on guard in public, but sometimes we slip up.
Scott Bryson, who claims to be a retired Secret Service agent, discusses safety with his 250,000 TikTok followers.

He explained in a recent video on the social media site how we not-so-street-smart individuals can take extra precautions to protect ourselves.

As he explains, the first recommendation is straightforward: when you enter a store or park your car, put your phone in your pocket.

‘Just remain off your phone,’ he said. Scott’s second recommendation is to choose where to park, with one special warning for women.

He continued: “Listen, ladies, especially you. “When you’re parked and there’s a car right behind you—I mean, very near the line or anything—that should raise a red light.”

He stated we should analyze the danger by asking ourselves questions such as, “Is there anyone in the car?” Is this a minivan? Does it have sliding doors? Is this an SUV?

Scott said, “I’m not saying you can’t get in your car, but just pump the brakes, alright?” No pun intended. Simply take it easy. Take a quick look around.

“Don’t just get inside the automobile. It could be beneficial, but it could also be detrimental.

The next piece of advice comes from Scott, who says that the best way to fill up at the gas station is to lean against your car.

‘Now that you’ve reduced your 360 to 180, you can clearly see,’ he said. If someone approaches you and is causing trouble, it’s advisable to spray them with gas. That is not cool. Gasoline is not something I would want to encounter. They’ll probably run away.”

Finally, he recommended that you sit where you can see the door in public places like restaurants so that you know where to depart.

In instances where all seats face the same way, such as in a movie theater, Scott advised sitting near the end of the aisle, adding, “If you’re a fighter, you can get up and fight.

@scottbrysonbts When You Go Out In Public Be Observant… #secretserviceagent #unitedstates #faith #safetytips #observant #protection ♬ original sound – Scott Bryson

“If you’re not eager to fight, that’s OK; you may run.

“However, you must possess the ability to escape.” Avoid becoming entangled in the chaos of the crowd.

His advice has struck a chord with hundreds of TikTok users, who hold the belief that safety primarily revolves around situational awareness.

One user stated, “I will never forget my driving instructor asking me what the first thing I should do when I get in my car is.” I said, ‘Seatbelt!’ He answered, “No, young lady, lock your doors.”

A second person commented, “Walk with a purpose was always, and still is, what my mother told me.”

A third individual, claiming to be a law enforcement officer, expresses his constant shock at the sheer number of people who lack awareness and fail to pay attention to their surroundings.