Stay Alert: Why Looking Up From Your Phone Could Save Your Life

Kurt Grashaw
Sep 9
2 min read

In today’s world, most of us keep our eyes glued to our phones. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, answering texts, or checking the news, it feels like second nature. But sometimes, that little screen can be more dangerous than we realize.

A recent tragedy in Charlotte, North Carolina, shows us just how quickly things can turn. Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old refugee from Ukraine, was riding a light rail train when she was suddenly attacked and killed. Reports say she had been sitting quietly, using her phone, when the suspect—someone with a long history of violence—struck without warning.

This heartbreaking story reminds us that danger can appear in an instant, and being distracted can leave us vulnerable. Iryna came to the U.S. to escape the violence of war, only to lose her life in a random attack here. Her story deserves to be remembered, and it also offers an important lesson: staying aware of your surroundings really matters.

Why Phones Make Us Vulnerable

When we’re staring at a screen, we often tune out what’s happening around us. On public transportation, walking through a parking lot, or even just waiting in line, this distraction creates what safety experts call a “window of vulnerability.”

It doesn’t mean you can never use your phone. But it does mean we should be careful when and where we do it.

Practical Safety Tips

Here are some simple habits you can build to stay safer in public spaces:

Look up often. Even a quick scan of your surroundings every 30 seconds makes a difference.
Keep your phone tucked away. Save scrolling or texting for when you’re in a safer spot.
Choose smart seating. On buses or trains, sit where you’re visible and near other people.
Trust your gut. If someone nearby makes you uncomfortable, move seats or step away.
Have a plan. Know how to trigger your emergency contacts or safety apps quickly.
Travel with others when you can. There’s strength in numbers.

A Balanced Perspective

This isn’t about living in fear. It’s about being prepared. Most trips on public transportation, walks downtown, or nights out go just fine. But tragedies like Iryna’s remind us that awareness is a powerful tool for protecting ourselves.

Staying alert doesn’t mean giving up our phones; it just means lifting our heads up now and then. Sometimes, that small habit could make all the difference.