Recent Attacks Highlight the Threat
In recent weeks, we have witnessed two chilling forms of violence: a knife attack aboard a train in the UK, where passengers bound for London had to flee as a man wielding a large knife struck multiple people, and a vehicle-ramming incident in France, where a car was deliberately used as a weapon, injuring several bystanders. While investigations continue, the practical lesson is clear: situational awareness is more important than ever.
What Is Situational Awareness?
Situational awareness means being alert to your surroundings, recognising when something is off, and having a mental plan for what to do. Whether travelling by train, walking along a street, in a crowded shopping centre, or outside a bar, the ability to observe, detect danger, and respond can make a real difference.
Learning from the Train and Vehicle Attacks
In the UK train attack, passengers described “blood everywhere,” people hiding in toilets, and train crew acting heroically to divert the train to safety. They did not have advanced training but took action when the threat became visible. Being oblivious shrinks your options; being aware may allow you to evade, hide, or seek help sooner.
Vehicle attacks are similarly unpredictable. The threat is swift, invisible until impact, and difficult to defend against once underway. Analysts call vehicle-as-a-weapon[1] (VAW) attacks are particularly challenging because vehicles are ubiquitous and require little sophistication. Situational awareness here means recognising erratic behaviour, spotting vulnerable areas like pedestrian zones, and preparing to move clear of danger.
Holiday Season Increases Risk
The festive season amplifies these risks. Streets, shopping centres, and transport hubs are busier than usual, with families and commuters staying out later. Police in London recorded 16,344 knife or sharp instrument offences in the year ending March 2025[2], while Europe has seen 18 vehicle-ramming attacks between 2014 and 2025, 72% involving cars[3]. Crowds, late hours, and festive distractions create the ideal conditions for opportunistic attacks.
How to Stay Safe
Beyond observation, situational awareness involves knowing exits, planning escape routes, and being mentally prepared. In active threat situations, follow the official UK advice: “Run, Hide, Tell” (UK Gov, 2025). Travel in pairs, when possible, secure valuables, and trust your instincts.
We can’t live in fear, but adopting realistic alertness ensures safety. Recent train and vehicle incidents remind us: while methods may change, the core protective behaviour remains the same, situational awareness saves lives.
[1] Mitigation of Terrorist Threats at Venues during Ingress and Egress Guidance | Marauding Terrorist Attacks (MTA) | NPSA