This is a new wrinkle on attacks that can happen in and around your vehicle. Car jackings have been around for decades as have bump and robs. More unusual is the robber impersonating a cop and pulling you over. This article highlights a south-of-the-boarder robbery tactic springing up in Chicago.

So. What can you do?

1. Drive a ‘self defense’ type vehicle.

2. Be as alert while driving as you are at other times. You’ve got all those mirrors. Use them. See as far ahead as possible, not only as far as the car in front of you. The ‘self defense’ car rides higher, allowing you to see over many other, lower cars. Pulling slightly left can also offer you a view past the car(s) in front of you. You are probably more on the ball than the drivers around you. Don’t rely on them to provide you with a proper and timely warning that there is a problem.

3. Always have an out. continuously look for places you can put your vehicle if you need to MOVE NOW! Realize that might involve contact with another vehicle or other objects.

4. Watch your following distance. Leave yourself room to MOVE NOW!

5. As much as possible, mentally prepare yourself to run someone over. You’ve spent your entire driving life doing everything you can to avoid accidents and hitting pedestrians. That’s no small thing, easily overcome. Mental preparation alone is of limited value. Your firearm training simulates shooting people doesn’t it? There’s an old saying that applies here: “The car can’t go where the mind’s never been” (ok, so I paraphrased a bit.)

6. If you carry a gun, practice using it from a car. Remember you CAN shoot through the glass. An open window will help mitigate damage to your ears. Practice drawing while seated and belted in. DON”T CROSS yourself with the muzzle. Use Airsoft trainers if you don’t have a range that let’s you shoot from your car.

7. Understand the use of lethal force and how it relates to the vehicle. Not just the legal aspects but your political/social climate. When can you justify running someone over in the context of legal/social/political considerations? You are in an escape pod. It is going to be harder to justify shooting someone if you had the option of driving away from the attack.

8. Be aware for scams/traps such as this. Think of proper responses NOW while you can. Your awareness of your environment shouldn’t be limited to the Tactical, but also to the Strategic. What sort of things are the bad guys doing in your area?

These 8 things will help you successfully deal with an attack while you are in your car. You will also find that they make everyday driving go smoother and safer.

by Peter Burlingame