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Situational Blindness

Always Be Aware

Lee Child once said, “The only fights you truly win are the ones you don’t have.” With this in mind, along with the fact that crime is a product of opportunity, we go a long way towards being masters of self-defense when we simply deny any potential threat as many opportunities as possible by changing our behavior.

Former CIA operative, Jason Hanson, says that the number one tip he can offer for making anyone and everyone a bit more like Jason Bourne in the modern world, is simply this– “always be aware of your surroundings.“

Don’t Be Blindsided

Easier said than done, right? Well, he goes a bit further by offering what he considers the number one concrete tactic to becoming aware of your surroundings — don’t use a smartphone. That’s it.

He says spy-craft prohibits the use of smartphones not just because of the tracking potential, but because they encourage absorption — a retreat from where you are to someplace else.

He points to the numerous instances of car crashes related to smartphone use, but says that even that observation does not go far enough. He has cataloged an impressive list of incidences where victims were chosen simply because they were acting like animals at the watering hole with their heads down, unaware and blind to their surroundings.

Lest anyone think that the use of the word “blind” goes too far, he backs up this contention with copious examples of security camera footage of people being blindsided in all sorts of public surroundings simply because their eyes were glued to their phones.

Real World Examples

Two astonishing examples come to mind. In the first example, a bar is robbed at gunpoint. The predator actually stands next to our smartphone user during the robbery. The smartphone user moves down a seat as if courteously giving the man next to him room.

He never looks up from the screen. When the police arrive after the robbery, the smartphone user has nothing to offer in assistance because he had no idea the robbery had even taken place.

The second example was sent to me some time back. A man boards a bus in San Francisco and the camera shows EVERY other passenger with their faces glued to screens. The newest rider pulls a gun and brandishes it and no one notices.

The predator looks confused, puts the gun away, seems to think for a moment, and then pulls it out again. This time he uses it. The precious window of time to react to avert a tragedy had been missed.

If — if — we think, “Well, I’m not that way. I’m perfectly aware of my surroundings even while I use this marvel of technology,” we are going against all the science surrounding the brain’s executive function. We simply do not multi-task well.

Our Perspective Of
Time Is Skewed

In a recent study of “time loss perception,” smartphone users were monitored while they periodically checked their phones in a casual dining experience. They were being timed by observers on the scene unbeknownst to them.

When approached and asked how long they thought their interaction with the phone had lasted, they all underestimated the duration of their interactions with their phones by 80%. That is, they (we) have no idea how long our attention is actually lost — or for how long we are essentially blind. Being blind to our dinner companions is one thing, but being blind to predators with guns is another thing entirely.

Since even highly trained spy personnel are told to drop the smartphone, do you think we, the lesser-trained citizens of the world, will be any less resistant to its temptations?

Try This (If You Can…)

I offer a drill for those brave enough to survive without electronics for a day. Dock the phone and be awake in the day. Be aware. Shoot for a week, particularly if you found the exercise uncomfortable.

I will say, it speaks volumes to the power of these devices that often when I offer some clients drills such as complete 500 burpees in the course of a single day or some other such physically taxing challenge, more often than not people step-up.

However, when this “wean yourself from the electronic teat drill” is offered, the failure rate is far, far higher. Why is that?
I believe that the reason that this occurs is because we have become incredibly dependent on technology to get us through the day.

It has gotten so bad that we feel naked if we leave the house without our precious phones. This level of dependency is incredibly unhealthy and makes us less aware of our surroundings.

Final Thoughts

In short, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t be prepared operators in the world who claim to value awareness and self-protection while simultaneously checking every ping and chime that comes from our electronic shackles.

Operational professionals and animals that are aware don’t text and don’t surf the web outside of the home. It’s either a flip phone which is, well, only a phone or no phone at all. So, ask yourself, are you aware? If you’re reading this on your phone and you are not at home, Mr. Hanson and I would both say you most definitely are not.

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87 thoughts on “Situational Blindness”

  2. Thanks for this tip guys, I don’t have one of those phones and don’t want one. I see people all the time doing assinine things just because they got a phone stuck to their head. It’s too bad they can’t step back and take a look at themselves and see how vulnerable they’ve become with that damn thing. What they should do is leave it to the support personnel, you know, the guy you call when you need some info and let them do the searching so you don’t look like you have your head up your own butt. You guys just affirmed what I’ve been saying ever since they came out with what i call a stupid phone, because that’s what happens when you start using it.
    Thanks again for the tips, very useful.

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  4. It’s called situational awareness. So many people are unaware of what is actually happening around them.

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  7. I have quit using a smartphone entirely , and turn off my cellphone much of the time . If someone has an urgent message for me they can text it to me , and I will get back to them on MY terms , when it suits me . I remember when my family did not even have a phone ( after WW II , when the wait for phone installation took months , because of the building and baby boom ) and even when it was installed , it was a party line . This instant gratification era HAS to have a negative impact on productivity and accomplishment , as well as presenting serious danger as the author of this piece correctly points out .

    I will be sending the message to others .

    Many thanks !

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  9. This is a very good article. A lot of what he said is true. As a private security officer I get to stand back and watch people. Some of the things I have seen happen while people had their noses glued to their smartphone were funny as hell

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  11. At 54 I am Guilty of it. Less than 10 years ago, when I got my first Smarty Phone I swore I would Not become enslaved to it. I’d frequently leave it at Home in the beginning. But, in a world of Wireless Communication it can yield Negative Feedback from Employers, Family, Friends when you do that. Meaning, You possess a Device that allows you to be accessible Anywhere/Always, but you choose regularly to leave it Home… That Act can/will manifest a perception of Disrespect or Disinterest as directed at the aforementioned Groups. I know.

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  13. Very good, I just don’t get the fixation people have with these electronic tools, it’s like they can’t function without them, sure I use them also but the difference is I shut mine off when walking anywhere, driving and at 7 PM every night, if they want to get a hold of me they can leave a message, and you can bet if I EVER take public transportation that thing stays in my pocket and on mute, and my personal safety device close at hand. I wonder just how many will do even the the day one challenge. I know I could go for days without it, and have in the past, one even forgot where I put the darn thing, found it in the car inside the center box.

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  14. Being aware of your surroundings, in any situation, is definitely the right attitude and smartphones is the number one distraction now days. That just makes commen sense. A very good article and names you think. For most people tho, how long will it last.

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  15. This is becoming more of a problem especially with the young people these days. The think that upsets me the most when it comes to smart phones is when I go into a place of business and some kid working their is on there phone instead of taking care of customers.

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  16. Dear Mr. Hanson and Hatmaker: thank you both for this, and all your valuable advice. Another time when people seem to be MIA is when loading stuff into
    their cars; I am sure I once prevented a lady from being purse-snatched, or mugged ( or worse ) in just such a situation.

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  17. I’m a fan of Jason Hanson’s work and instruction. He sets a really high standard for these crucial life safety teachings. I don’t work for him, but I have his book Spy Secrets that can save your life. I also have his tutorial videos downloaded, and I’ve implemented much of his advice. I’m much more aware of my surroundings, but I am using my phone at home to type this.

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  18. This is an informative article, especially when it pertains to our own personal safety and the safety of others around us. As another person has already mentioned, “This is an era of instant gratification.” Smart phones and the need to post everything on Social Media has changed our society completely. Thanks for sharing the article.

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  21. This does make me realize it is good that I do not like to talk on the phone. My wife and I took a month, when I retired in 2016, to visit our family members, all the way from California, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota, Utah, Seattle Washington and back home, about 12,000 miles. We only used our phones when in a hotel room and my wife used it for navigation, while I was driving, with the truck doors locked. The world is getting too crazy, not like it was 75 years ago. Thanks again for warning all of us about using cell phones, when out in the public.

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  22. I read it on restroom break, single occupancy door locked.
    Often I am asked why didn’t you answer your phone. The reply driving or walking in public. I couldn’t agree more smart phones are dangerous.

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  24. I am in south Africa where murder happens twice daily we have learnt to always sleep with some kind of weapon but our mobile phone is our lifeline without it we cannot call for help and then we will not survive. Therefore i say use the phone as wat it is a tool do not let it take over your life

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  25. This is very apparent at a Mall or theatre. I like to people watch. I am always amazed at how vulnerable people are. I am continually looking at my surroundings. Thanks for the encouragement.

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  26. He’s spot on!! Americans need not be in fear of zombie apocalypse… they are already here and pay hundreds of dollars each month for the “privilege “

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  27. For HEALHs sake, the exposure to damaging electromagnetic radiation is more than enough reason to forgo smartphones and wifi altogether (read Dr. Mercola). Cancer, my friends, cancer.

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  29. You know, When people are walking into light poles and into traffic because they’re looking at their stupid phones, they F’ing deserve to be injured. pay attention.

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  30. When someone walks past me like I am invisible (while they are glued to their smart phones), it enforces my perception of a self-consumed society. I am 68 and was not raised this way. I gravitate toward genuinely sincere, kind, and caring people. As far as the mean-spirited/ uncaring/unpatriotic/ unthankful, I am grateful to all of the “Fight Fast” instructors and staff who help average people as myself to be prepared for “whatever”. Yes, avoidance through alertness is my #1 choice. However, many Americans as myself draw a line at being doormats to “line-crossers”. We are very quietly preparing ourselves to protect our loved ones and reclaim our country to what it once was.

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  31. Your points are well taken and make think. I am the dude with The cell phone today, but will not be tomorrow on out. Thank you sir.

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  32. very true to what i see all the time. I am from the older generation who did not grow up with a phone in my ear, but it is easy to slip into that pattern. will watch a little more now. Thank you for the great articled.

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  33. Truer words have never been spoken. People seem oblivious to anything else going on around them. I guess I am one of the “lucky ones,” I still have a dumb phone and am glad of it.

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  34. A simple concept that really says a lot about how much attention is given to a device and diverts your attention. Thank you very much. Very informative!

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  35. Quite an eye-opening review. I’ve seen just how absorbed in themselves a person can be when using these so called smart phones. The world could explode and they’d not be aware of it.

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  36. It’s so true, I have working on my situational awareness…I practice it all the time like a game….still needs more work…its planted in my brain and it’s always getting better….Thank you

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  37. This an AWESOME reality check for anyone, who wants to keep yourself, and your loved ones out of harms way!
    I believe there are so many people, that don’t even realize, how often and how long they are on there cell phones, that if someone else was to keep track of their usage, and they were not aware of it, then they were presented with the stats, they would question it!!!
    I’m not going to be a hippocrit, by saying
    “I don’t do that”, because I have!!!
    Upon reading your info, I myself am going to be much more diligent about not doing it!
    Thank you, for opening my eyes to a very unsafe situation!

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  38. This is very true we as a people have become to dependent on devices like smartphones computers and mp3 players I will not answer my phone if I’m walking in town are the store

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  39. That was very informative. I preach this to my grown kids everyday. Phones are for talking to someone if needed. I hate most new tech. I try to be aware of my surroundings at all times and it is very difficult at best. I do not drink anymore because that throws everything out the window. You guys have caused me to change the way I do almost everything in my life over the last 14 months of doing research and learning what I can. When I was 5 or 6 I had to walk about 7 blocks to grade school, while crossing a main highway(using the push button for the light). I will not let my grand children of the same ages out of the yard(paranoid). Anyway thanks for the tips and tricks.

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  40. Thank you.
    It’s both sad and funny. When I go into the break room for break or lunch I’m usually the only one that doesn’t have their phone out. I do check my messages after work to see if I need to bring anything home from the store. I’ve been known to leave my phone in my locker at work and go home without it. I’ve also been known to forget my phone and leave it home. I don’t miss it when I don’t have it.

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  41. Awesome tips. Unfortunately the biggest problem is that the “watering hole” has gotten SOOOOO huge these days that there are now enormous numbers of “weak animals” around it that are totally oblivious to their surroundings and the goings on around themselves that trying to teach them will likely prove an impossible task. That being said I find that the sheep dog mentality must be ingrained in as many people as possible as quickly as possible in order to enable us to at least try to protect these “sheeple” from harm. I also fear that we may already be fighting a loosing battle.

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  42. I totoly get it. My Pa was Special. WWII, Korea, Philapines, and for 3 Wks Vietnam. Every where we went it was a drill. As we drove by an elderly gray headed black man fishing he said “look over there joey at that man fishing”. I knew I had to colect as much info as I could in just several seconds that it takes to dr by. Whatever I missed he pointed out. I was young then. Im 54 now, but I still remember what I missed. I got: the man was old, gray, had a cane pole, used a quork bobber, and had a takle box and a lunch pale. Boy I was proud. So was he, but then he asked did I see the bush moving near him? I had not. He saide he had already cought fish and had them tied off on a line to that bush to keep them fresh. I had missed something. Pay attention joey. Pay attention.

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  43. I’m a retiree on disability, who happens to be home on most occasions. I use a Samsung tablet as a laptop computer, but when I go out the tablet stays home. I carry a “flipper” with me sometimes, mostly to call for assistance in case something happens while driving on errands. I find it annoying being around people using smartphones while in public spaces. It’s as if they all became zombies interfaced to some AI-controlled mainframe.

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  45. I came across a situation today December 8th 2017, my grandson was born from my daughter and her wannabe thug boyfriend. So I get the call her water broke so me and my wife arrive at the hospital to a waiting room full of wannabe gangster thugs all trying to size me up had a feeling something was gonna be off so I brought my yrs spike and a pocket of inch and five -eights screws just in case something was gonna happen been practicing my krav maga So me and the wife see the baby it’s starting to feel a little tense so we go to leave out in the parking lot a few of his buddies try to jump us yes us not just me but my wife to so I had to react some of those guy’s have to eat and wipe differently now and all thanks to fightfast I protected my wife and myself from multiple attackers my wife held her own proud of her.all because I was aware of my surroundings and the atmosphere . They thought they were gonna jump us and mad a bad mistake didn’t have far to go for the hospital they will thinnk twice on that one again. So thank you fightfast you kept us safe.

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  46. Thanks for the tip. I would appreciate an answer to this question, what defense moves and tools could you suggest that would help a 5’1″ fifty something female living in the inner city to better protect myself from being robbed or raped?

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  47. I couldn’t agree more with this article. I fancy myself an observer of people and I am constantly stunned and disappointed at the current state of affairs with respect to people in public. My wife and I were at a nice place recently for dinner. Across from us was a family of 5. Mother, Father and 3 children. Every single one of them was glued to a smartphone or a tablet The ENTIRE TIME! What kind of family time is that? The mall is another great example. I watch as people stroll by with their heads down, oblivious to their surroundings. I’m not perfect in this by any means but I practice awareness when in public. Especially when I’m in places like downtown Baltimore, which is only 30 miles away. It’s a dangerous place, even in broad daylight, but even more so if you are unaware of what’s going on around you. Thanks so much for this article. I can only hope it helps wake someone up to reality!!

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  48. Thank you, you are spot on with this , here in England, just as bad , kids bump into you using their phones totally ignorant to where they are going

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  49. Spot on. People using Smartphones and MP3 Players with inner earphones are totally oblivious to their surroundings.
    I have always thought they were leaving themselves vulnerable to the criminal element.

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  50. This is great info . Smart phone. Who give it this name? Wrong name !!! Anyone wants to rename it? I have many but I’ll give one for now . The cell kill. The wiser will save their lives. Another 100 way to die. Go ahead.

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