From: rauletta@sitevax.gmu.edu (R. J. Auletta)
Subject: Re: Fear and Social Conditioning
Organization: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 01:20:38 GMT


The May/June 1992 issue of the "Appalachian Trailway News" has an article
entitled "Safety on the Appalachian Trail". Becky Blanton makes
the following observations which apply to many situations.
(I have paraphrased her exposition.)

1) "Bad vibes" isn't just an expression. It's your body's most reliable
    alarm.
 
    Trust your instincts about a trail, person, campsite, or vehicle.
    Your brain remembers every experience, even if you conscious mind
    does not.


2) That trash on the Trail is trying to tell you something that may save
   your life or at least save you a lot of harassment.

   We watch for weather signs, but you can also look out for safty signs.

   Does the trailhead show heavy usage? Is it littered with beer cans, litter?
   Probably frequented by men, teen-agers, hunters, and fisherman.
   Avoid such areas. Avoid crossing such areas during the late afternoon
   or evening.


3) The location and condition of a Trailhead is not so much a personal
   safty issue as it is a vandalism.

   Most crimes are against property, not people.


4) Avoid confrontations both on and off the Trail at all costs.

   Many road crossings are favored local drinking spots. Avoid
   crossing such areas in the late afternoon or evening.

   If harassment is encountered, bow out quickly. Don't risk violence
   to yourself or other hikers with a brillant comeback to anger the
   "victim" of your wit.

5) One of the most deadly "diseases" on the Trail is "creeping Pollyanna-sim,"
   also known as "Mr. Roger-sim."

   Not everyone you meet on the Trail is your friend or has your best
   interest at heart. If the person would make you wary off the trail,
   you will probably feel the same way on the Trail. Backpacks don't make
   people saints.

6) The presence of alcohol or drugs should be your number-one warning sign.

   In 85% of all crimes either the victim or perpetrator was using, or abusing
   alcohol or other drugs. 

7) Tunnel vision and false sense of security can be hazardous to your health.

   People who live in high crime areas believe they are safer than they
   actually are. They tend to stop behaving as though they at risk.
   So, no matter how many times you have hiked a trail or stayed at a campsite,
   pretend it is the first time. Look around. Listen. Pay attention to
   the people, sights, and sounds. [Or have hiked alone.]

8) Being polite can get you hurt.

   It is alright to lie to protect yourself. If you hiking alone,
   and you meet someone who makes you uneasy, act and pretend like you're
   not hiking alone. If some *asks*, you can tell the truth, you can
   ignore them, or you can lie. It's your choice.

   If a stranger wanders into camp, it is perfectly alright to ask them
   to leave.

   Many women who have been assaulted in elevators, parking garages, or
   other public areas recall having a "bad feeling" about getting on the
   elevator with, or talking to, a stranger. Later, they admitted they
   felt the man might have thought they were being "rude" if they
   didn't get on the elevator or waited for the man to leave.

9) Beware of inquisitive strangers.

    Part of the joy of hiking is swapping stories and destinations with
    folks you meet on the trail. If you feel compelled to tell all, ask
    yourself why is this person so interested in you and your partner/group.

10) Hiking alone is one of the most dangerous things any hiker, male or
    female, can do.

11) Last, but no least: Protect your equipment.

    Cache your gear when day hiking, or at least secure your packs and gear.
    Most crimes are ones of opportunity. It is one thing to pick up
    an item, another to go through gear looking for something to steal.


No one incident signals impending doom. Problems arise with the presence
of two or more of the above situations.

_______________________________________________________________________