How do you avoid bad areas? Planning. Know where you are going. Use Google Earth to get aerial and ground-based photo recon of the area. Know what you will see - being aware that things can change between when they get image data and the current time. Take a look at potential detours that you might have to take a well.
Also, situational awareness is key.
Keep yours eyes open and your mind active. Look at people - what are they doing? Vehicles around you? Condition of buildings? Ask yourself "should I be where I am now?" or "should I go down that street?"
If you find yourself feeling uneasy, turn around before getting in deeper.
Sometimes you won't be able to avoid those bad areas. Construction detours or bad directions might lead you to one. If that happens, don't act scared or have the mindset of a victim.
Mentally, if you know you are prepared and have the ability to take care of yourself, you will present a different appearance. That appearance, aura, whatever you want to call it, will show to a predator. They will be more wary of you, and most likely prefer to avoid entering into a confrontation with you.
