Self Protection questions

If the world hasn't ended yet, I doubt its gonna next month. I'm more concerned with the downward spiral our country seems to be in. Sometimes I think its spinning out of control like an experimental aircraft, and we are the test pilots who keep reporting the gauge readings as we go down so the next guy has something to work with.

 

I ponder this often, and still don't have an answer. Every time that I have needed something for self defense it was always out of reach. My comment would be to continually work on your reaction time to any given circumstance, speed and coordination will always work to your advantage as well as give you a great many fringe benefits such as while you are driving or backing in to a tight spot with a lot of automobile traffic. Just within the last several years we were sitting at the table at home visiting with the grand kids when one of the little ones setting beside me, started to fall off the chair, and I was able to catch her before she hurt herself, it happened so quickly that it even amazed me. Always know your surroundings, lock the truck when you sleep and use your head, if you feel uncomfortable about something, don't be afraid to change it or move away from it.

 

Probably not any more charmed than someone not being scared of fires never having a fire, but yet has a fire extinguisher.

Best regards

 

As I've said earlier, I've carried blades for almost twenty years. I've only needed them twice in all that time and was ###### glad I had them. For those who are wondering, both times were Gary, IN and were both in the late 90s. And we all know how bad Gary is on a regular basis. Some drivers I've talked to are surprised its only been twice. How I carry myself and how aware I am of my surroundings keeps me much safer than any level of armament. My weapons are for when there are no other options.

 

The weapon on top is one example of a family of weapons called "saps". It has a spring handle and a lead head, is wrapped in leather and causes much damage when used to strike an enemy. It costs around $25 and is considered a concealed weapon and is illegal without a permit in most states. It is a hard thing to explain to a cop on the street or a judge in the court as it's only function is to be used as a weapon. The middle item is a "Monster Caribiner" bought at Walmart for $5, a closeable chain link for $2, and a heavy masterlock (perfect for locking rear doors) $15. Less money, just as effective as a weapon, more effective as a deterrent as you can swing this openly by your side as you walk across the truckstop lot to the building, and very easy to explain to a cop or judge because you "use it to lock your trailer".

I'm not saying that you should think you are going to be attacked at every dark corner, but there is no harm in being prepared. "Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it."

Also, someone earlier mentioned wasp/hornet spray. GREAT IDEA. Just as effective as pepper spray, less expensive, more in a can, longer range, easier to find in stores, less collateral damage to people in the immediate area, and much easier to explain why you have it.

 

being 6'5" and nearly 300lbs while looking like a Hell's Angel on a 3 day bender works for me. Maybe that's why safety drug tests me all the time?

 

If you drive a reefer you just hang on to it till the next time your at a Hormel plant.

 

Just a note, carrying saps in PA is a big no-no. We can own them here, like in a collection. But we can't carry them as tools for self protection. As with anything else, always check the laws for where you are at, where you are going, and everywhere in between. Different states have different laws, and carrying a forbidden item in a state can have serious consequences, up to and including felony convictions.

Note that I'm not saying "You shouldn't carry a means to defend yourself, you evil person you!". I'm stressing that you need to make yourself aware of the laws and how they effect you. After all, "Ignorance is no Excuse" has been a mainstay of law enforcement for centuries, now. I myself violate the law on a daily basis by carrying blades concealed. But I am fully aware of the violation, and the possible consequences if I get caught. This, to me, is the only responsible way to carry any kind of weapon. I'm aware of the consequences of my actions, and have freely made the informed choice to go ahead, knowing what may occur should I screw up.

 

Like one of the other posters said, being aware of your surroundings at all times is the key!

A little trick I used to do when my wife was driving with me was when we stopped I took two bungee cords and ran them from my airhorn cable to my doors. If the door was to opened the horn would blow. Not as effective as a gun but a pretty good deterrent. There are many other things you can do too. Put "team" stickers on your doors or "dog on board" stickers on your truck. Try to park in safe areas etc... Never let other drivers or people know what you are hauling or where you are going/doing.