“ALWAYS keep your car keys in your hand with the keys between your fingers facing outward; it’s an easy weapon to poke out eyes if you’re attacked.”

As a Senior Staff Writer at BuzzFeed, I cover real-life stories that explore relationships, lifestyle (including travel and beauty), and the internet's most fascinating trends.

"The best self-defense methods allow you to get away, not win a fight."

"Or bear spray. It's like pepper spray but with a much longer range. Keeping it in your car could be lifesaving, especially if you break down at night or get a flat. Plus, it's much harder to accidentally discharge than pepper spray."

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.