Non Lethal Force options for personal protection?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Graham Cracker, Mar 18, 2023.

  1. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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  2. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Bean, stop, the FBI isn't going to do a thing and local cops are not going to charge anyone with using it.

    The problem is it isn't all that effective against someone on drugs.

    Use bear spray, like this one

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...G42TO3NQ&linkCode=as2&tag=chtrbr97903-20&th=1
     
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Carb cleaner or starting fluid will slow down the perp and a can should be in every truck. Hair spray slows down wasps and hornets too, don't imagine that would be too pleasant either..
     
  5. RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

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    While everything you said is true, that warning on the label might give some ammo to the perp's lawyers when the perp sues the victim for spraying them with wasp spray.
     
  6. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    Exactly!
    Once again, why try all these substitutes instead of an OC spray? You get accosted on your way to the building, why would you be carrying carb cleaner? OC spray fits in your pocket, and is "safe", so the chance that someone would successfully sue you when used during self-defense is minimal.
     
  7. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Not trying to be mean here but these threads always seem to amuse me
    Am I just luckiest truck driver in the world....
    after 45 years never feel I needed anything to defend myself in any situation...
    in every nasty major metro area in the country country??
    Having said that I feel....
    the best possible self-defense is
    Situational awareness
    always know where you are and what’s around you
    do everything you possibly can not to put yourself in a situation of being a victim
    And of course as everybody talks about the self-defense weapons
    I always find it interesting that the one I think is the most useful and it’s perfectly legal and on every truck is.....
    your fire extinguisher you grab that extinguisher and spray somebody with it
    They can’t see and they can’t breathe
    if that’s not enough when it’s empty HIT them right between the eyes with a it
    But again I’ve never felt the need even at 3 AM in the South Bronx....Compton....the southside of Chicago....little Havana in Miami
    you name it
    Act like you know what you’re doing and you have a reason to be there
    ignore all the nonsense around you and just do your job and
    it seems to work really well for me
    Be careful
     
  8. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    I am happy your amused by those recounting situations that you've never been involved in.
    Consider yourself fortunate.
    You are correct imo, in saying situational awareness is key to staying safe.

    After near 50 yrs trucking I assume all the story's, police reports and news reports are legit and the numbers that show a crime increase annually are not false.
    Life's great till you become a victim.

    In the meantime I suggest prayer in addition to your fire extinguisher for personal defense.

    Stay Safe.
     
  9. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

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    A 'tire bar' was all I ever needed. Kept it in the map pocket, and carried it in my back pocket when I got out. Thump your tires on the way to the back of your trailer, and every thief watching you will know you have a weapon on you. And, in states where you can't carry a firearm, nobody will complain about having a tire-thumper. Available at most truckstops, too...
     
  10. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    Can of hair spray or WD-40 and a lighter are an effective conceal-carry flamethrower, from what I hear.