Tips and Tricks (Safety)

If you're in the US traveling at this time of potential political turmoil, there are a number of precautions you can apply and avoid a normal day from turning into something tragic.

1. Check your vehicle. Fuel and oil levels. Tire pressure, water etc. You don't want to be stranded in the wrong place. Make sure you have all the necessary tools to change a tire.

2. Contact local authorities. Get the info on the ground about planned protests etc.

3. Avoid peak traffic times if you can, a static target is the last thing you want to be.

4. Know the location and contact numbers of police (safe house) , fire department, paramedics and hospitals of the area you are entering. Have them on speed dial.

5. Get a tracking app that updates your location and add your family to the group so you can monitor each other's progress. Google maps has live location tracker as well.

6. When stopping behind another vehicle, leave enough space in front so you can get past in another lane should the need arise.

7. Be aware of choke points. A traffic light, stop sign etc. Time your approach to catch the green light. If you can't, take a lane that is not boxed in by other lanes. If tshtf, you need an exit strategy over a curb or whatever. Know your plan before you come to a stop.

8. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times.

9. Monitor groups of people at chokepoints. Watch for their hands. Hands in pockets or going for pockets need to be watched especially. Check their general demeanor, are they tense?

10. Plan alternative routes if you see heavy congestion on your google maps or whatever app you are using.


11. Here's how you get a vehicle to change to a slower lane if you want to pass works over 90% of the time. Approach vehicle not too fast as if you are going to go through them. There is a psychological distance that is very important! One car length. You are not on top of the vehicle but close enough to stay on the drivers mind. Be slightly of to the side so your lights are in his side mirror. Try it, it works like a bomb! Always look at the cars in front of that car. When their brake lights go on you can break before the car in front of you brakes.

12. Do you conceal carry? When stopping at a traffic light with potential threat unclip your seatbelt but keep it there in place to clip it back in again. If no threat arises you can quickly clip it back in and proceed but should you be required to draw quickly you don't want to struggle with the seatbelt when the adrenaline kicks in.

13. Have water and whatever you need prepacked so you don't have to stop unnecessarily. You can even urinate in a bottle while driving. Extreme, I know.

14. Buy some stupid BLM or Antifa paraphernalia and have it on the passenger seat. You can still fake your way out of a hairy situation and avoid violence.

I might add some more tips should I remember anything I might have left out.


BE SAFE!

a reply to: 19Bones79

15. When standing in the intersection waiting to turn, do not turn your wheels into the direction your going yet. If you get hit or pushed from behind you will go headlong into oncoming traffic.

16. If you are waiting in front at a red traffic light and tshtf behind you, do not cross the intersection or go into opposing traffic, turn in the direction that the traffic stream is flowing so that if you get hit it will be from behind.

a reply to: 19Bones79

17. Advances. Has someone you know recently (same day) traveled the same route? Get recent info.

a reply to: 19Bones79

A cb radio is an excellent source of up to the minute updates, if you have one.

a reply to: 19Bones79

Always refuel when you are on half a tank. That way you will always have enough juice should you have to get the hell out of Dodge.

a reply to: 19Bones79

Create a whatsapp group for your family. Post departure time, estimated time of arrival, and when you arrive. That way people will try to get hold of you if they don't hear from you.

You got me so frightened that l'm about to ... Oh well, never mind.
Do you guys have tv'in your card ?

Those are some nice and friendly ones, here are some ones which aren't so nice (but real)....

- always turn around in reverse, and do it aggressively. Ram anything which gets in your way.

- sidewalks are your friend.

- The wrong way can often be the right way.

- Your vehicle is a weapon, use it.

- Your horn is your friend, use it.

- Extract yourself, and your occupants, from the situation as fast and as far as humanly possible...immediately!

a reply to: Flyingclaydisk

I do have some of those, but the right info in the wrong hands (untrained or otherwise) can be a very dangerous thing.

how sad
this isn't a 'traveling in the third world' thread

this is USA

what's happened to my country...


thanks for the good advice. stay safe people.

Another: Always park in a handicap spot, less walking and if you have to fight people who have a placard you can easily win.