Exactly, this is what i have been telling to my younger ones. It better to be alert and focus around us. That will definately help or may assist other as well. There are many little things around, but we tend to ignore as we being too busy with oneself. Having an attentive mind always helps....
So many people go through their lives without looking any farther than their devices which leads to them being generally unaware and that, as you say, can lead to trouble. It's good that you're instilling a regard for general awareness in your kids which will work to their benefit as they get older and roam more broadly.