I was out late a couple of nights ago and had to walk several blocks to my car.  One of the streets was dark–a lot of big trees were blocking the lights (and there weren’t many of those either).  And I found myself on the sidewalk with a solid wall running down one side–you know what I mean:  it was the side of a large office building with no windows or places to conceal yourself.  So I walked down the street very close to the wall. Why?  So I could control which way someone could come up on me.   This way I could see the front and 1 side easily so I could concentrate on protecting myself and “check my 6”.  Just another idea for you.