Imagine this: you’re at a gas station, fueling up, when a car screeches in. The driver jumps out, leaves it running, and starts rifling through the trash. You notice he looks drugged out and then locks eyes with you.
Within seconds, he’s headed straight for you.
This is the exact moment awareness matters most. Are you scanning your surroundings or buried in your phone? Do you have a plan if someone approaches suddenly?
💡Rule #144: Never get into an encounter with a desperate-looking person.
💡Rule #222: Throw politics out the window because they don’t apply here. Many people hesitate to judge others by how they look or act, even if they’re behaving strangely. Don’t worry about hurting feelings; it’s better to be safe than sorry. After all, do you think a predator cares about your feelings once they’ve robbed or harmed you? Hell no.
By noticing red flags early and having a clear plan, you drastically reduce your risk and stay in control of the situation. So let’s go…
Spot the Red Flags
A car is speeding erratically and then comes to an abrupt stop.
Someone searching trash, acting irrational or desperate. When was the last time you searched through the trash?
Fixating on you with an intense stare.
Suddenly closing the distance and heading straight at you.
- Today’s Bandera Roja Caliente (Red Hot Flag): Asking you a question.
Example: Is a man approaching a 20-year-old female and asking her for money? This happens a lot!
When you notice these signals early, you can act before you’re caught off guard.
What You Can Do Today
✔️ Stay alert. Scan your surroundings before you get out of the car and while fueling.
✔️ Choose wisely. Park facing the exit for a quick getaway. Park closest to the station.
✔️ Lock doors. The second you get out, secure your vehicle. Start fueling up, then go back in your car and lock the door.
✔️ Walk with confidence. Keep your head up and move with purpose.
✔️ Trust your instincts. If someone heads straight for you, treat it as a red flag.
✔️ Remember the profiling rule. Pay attention to anyone acting strangely or showing unusual interest in you.
✔️ Do not watch TVs at the pumps. This is when criminals will test you and ask for favors or money.
✔️ Don’t answer questions and get in your car and lock the door.
✔️ Be cautious if someone is waiting by your pump. Don’t get out, drive off, and pick a new pump.
✔️Have exit strategies identified. Gas pumps are breakaway; get in your car and drive away if needed.
The Takeaway
If you’re difficult to surprise, you’re difficult to harm. Situational awareness gives you the time, space, and options to stay safe.
The best fight is the one you are never in. Fuel up smart, stay alert, and don’t be an easy target.
So next time you fuel up, will you think differently?
Share these tips with co-workers, family, friends, or anyone who fuels up alone—especially new drivers.
Empower yourself with this gas station safety awareness video
Beth is the founder of Pretty Loaded and a former NICU, PICU, and Sedation nurse. On a mission to install strength, awareness, and confidence, Beth began her journey as an educator and National speaker after a close encounter with a would-be predator. She has trained thousands of people in person, and hundreds of thousands through her online training and videos. Her safety videos have reached millions globally! She is responsible for starting the National Situational Awareness Day and this was approved by the registrar of the National Day Calendar. Beth has been featured on Fox News, Consumer Reports, Reddit, Yahoo!Finance, Elite Readers, BuzzFeed, ViralNova, and many more networks.
