VEHICLE SAFETY: Can You Change HER to Prevent Vehicle DANGER?
In dealing with vehicular danger there are 3 things you can do: 1. Avoid/prevent 2. Escape 3. Defend/Fight. Today I’ll be covering the first line of defense, which if practiced with regularity can prevent the need to escape or defend.
So what does a criminal look for?
A predator of sexual assault needs an unsuspecting target, they need to subdue and isolate that target, they will then control and exhaust them on the ground before they carry out the assault. You can stop that from happening in any of the 3 phases before the actual assault. A carjacker or robber needs a victim AND an opportunity; don’t give it to them.
Through awareness and employing some simple, but effective strategies you can ensure your safe approach to enter your car and return home unscathed.
Park in well-lit areas. Park under a street light or parking light. Avoid dark and secluded areas where visibility is poor.
Be aware of who is around you and around your vehicle. Is someone intently watching you, following you or hanging around your vehicle? Is there a large SUV or van too close to your vehicle that you can’t see into? Might you need to get security or walk with a friend/spouse?
Trust your instincts. Women’s intuition, gut feeling, spidey sense are all ways of describing the same thing. The intuitive feeling you get that something isn’t right. Learn to trust those feelings; it usually is right.
Have your keys ready. You don't want to be fumbling for the keys when you get to your vehicle.
Look at your car for anything suspicious. Is the door ajar, is the light on inside, is there a broken window, or are the tires flat? Also look into the vehicle before you get in.
Lock your doors immediately upon entry. If you are being followed and the threat approaches you after you enter your car. Drive off as quickly as possible.
Use remote starter: This will light up the area which will help you to assess the vehicle and see if there is anyone loitering around your vehicle.
Install security features. Consider a car alarm which you can set off while you still have time to avoid or escape. Motion sensor lights in your driveway.
Carry a tactical flashlight. Tactical flashlights are very bright for their size and can temporarily blind an assailant giving you time to make your escape.
If you are caught off guard and a criminal gets the jump on you, give in to his demands for your money, your purse or even your car. It’s not worth your life to lose some possessions. However, if he is trying to get into the car with you or drag you off into his vehicle or a secluded area you may need to fight for your life. Do you have a few self-defense techniques that you can employ? Do you carry a weapon or pepper spray? Do you have a survivor's mindset?
Being aware of the dangers around you; by keeping your head on a swivel, not looking like a victim and having a few simple strategies that you commonly employ can prevent being victimized.
For more strategies, self-defense techniques or weapons training contact me here or via call at (208)860-9139.
“Self-defense is not just a set of techniques, it's a state of mind that begins with the belief that you are worth defending” -Rorion Gracie
