Intro to Road Trip Safety

As a veteran, years of martial arts, and someone who prioritizes safety in every aspect of travel (A little too well at times), I know firsthand how important it is to be prepared, especially when on the road in unfamiliar areas. With the right safety tools and strategies, you can enhance your confidence, security, and readiness for any situation you may encounter.

Below is a guide that could save your life on key personal safety equipment and practical protocols to ensure you’re secure and prepared while traveling.

Did you know: Fear can lower your IQ, making it harder to think clearly? When the fight-or-flight response kicks in and adrenaline takes over, decision-making becomes compromised. This is why having a solid plan is essential. The more we practice, the better our chances of staying calm and effective in dangerous situations. “We do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” – an excerpt from Atomic Habits by James Clear << one of the most life changing books I’ve ever read.

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Ready to book your next adventure? Book your car rental and next place to stay Here with Expedia and don't forget about all wheel drive vehicles if you're planning driving on challenging terrains :)

Prepare Your Vehicle for the Journey

Before embarking on your road trip, it is crucial to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition. A thorough inspection can help detect any issues that might lead to breakdowns or accidents. Check essential elements, such as tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and lights. Investing in a professional tune-up or maintenance can go a long way in safeguarding your journey. Read my Road Trip Essentials Blog for more!

1. Have a Legally Carried and Well-Practiced Firearm

As a Texan and strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, I advocate for responsible firearm ownership as a valuable safety measure. If you’re licensed and comfortable carrying a handgun, it can provide an added level of security, particularly in remote or higher-risk areas. However, it’s essential to be well-practiced, knowledgeable, and adhere to local laws, as firearm regulations vary by state and country. Responsible handling and proper storage are key to ensuring safety for yourself and those around you.

2. Have an Emergency Plan with Your Loved Ones

When traveling with a partner, proactive self-defense planning is crucial. Discuss scenarios and decide together on strategies, whether that involves finding escape routes, calling for help, or taking defensive action if necessary. It’s important to consider your skills and comfort levels in such situations, as well as what aligns with your personal values. Developing a clear plan puts you a step ahead, empowering you to respond effectively if a life-threatening situation arises.

3. Carry Multi-Tool with Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter

In an emergency, a multi-tool with features like a window breaker and seatbelt cutter can be a lifesaver. Imagine a scenario where your car starts filling up with water or your seatbelt is jammed; having an easily accessible tool designed to quickly break through glass or cut fabric can be the difference between a safe escape and a dangerous situation. at the very least keep a small window breaker and seatbelt cutter on your visor or an emergency window breaker and seat belt cutter in the side of your door but many multi-tool window breakers also include other useful items like screwdrivers, pliers, and small blades, which can come in handy for vehicle repairs and other emergency tasks.

Tip with window breakers ** Remember to strike the around the corners of the windows to break the glass. The middle of the window is more flexible and less likely to break because of its bounce back.

4. Pepper Spray for Self-Defense

Pepper spray is a compact and accessible way to defend yourself if you’re approached by an aggressive person or animal. It’s easy to carry, fits in a pocket or bag, and provides you with a non-lethal way to ward off potential threats. When using pepper spray, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how it works and check expiration dates regularly, as they can lose potency over time. Not all pepper sprays are equal! In fact the majority of them don’t work very well at all. That’s why I like Pom pepper spray that’s highly recommended by John Correa, a nationally recognized subject matter expert in private citizen defense encounters and law enforcement. He has a Youtube channel called Active Self Protection that I highly recommend subscribing to with a plethora of helpful dangerous situations caught on video that he goes over discusses.

Pepper Spray Tip: Use your thumb—NOT your index finger—to press down on the pepper spray trigger. This grip gives you more control and stability. Maintain a distance of about 4-6 feet from your target to avoid misting yourself with the back spray. It can also be helpful to experience a small amount of pepper spray yourself to understand its effects, though this should be done carefully and in a controlled setting.

5. Personal Safety Alarms

Another simple yet effective tool is a personal safety alarm. These devices emit a loud, high-pitched sound when activated, drawing attention to your location. They’re great for deterring potential attackers and can be used in various situations where you feel threatened. They’re easy to carry on a keychain or in a bag and can be quickly accessed in an emergency. Although, I would still recommend practicing some empty-handed skills. **Striking someone in the face with your elbow feels a lot better than having to punch a hard skull with your fist.

6. Avoid Road Hypnosis

In addition to gear, following a few basic safety protocols can go a long way in preventing issues on the road. For example, stopping every couple of hours helps prevent road hypnosis, a condition where you zone out due to long stretches of driving. Taking breaks keeps you alert, refreshed, and reduces the chance of drowsy driving, which can be as dangerous as impaired driving. If you are feeling drowsy and can’t stop anywhere immediately, chew a piece of gum or eat a some candy. You can also roll down the window and get some fresh air on your face to help wake you up a little.

^^ This is actually an order the military made us follow when we went on leave traveling by vehicle. We were also ordered not to drive more than 8 hours a day.

7. Stay Aware in Transitional Spaces

Beyond tools and protocols, your best defense is a sharp sense of awareness. Be mindful of your surroundings and stay alert, especially at gas stations or rest areas in unfamiliar places. Practice a healthy skepticism when approached by strangers, and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable.

Did you know? The fuel hose detaches at the gas pump if you drive away with it still in the tank? This is a safety feature that was added in case someone forgets to put the fuel hose back and to help if a stranger tries to threaten you at the pump while you’re still fueling, so you can drive away and escape!

Gas stations are one of the most common transitional places where people get robbed, so always be alert and keep your door locked when you're refueling or waiting in the vehicle. Don’t be so plugged into your phone. In fact, **you can also use your phone as a weapon. If you take the corner edge of your phone and push it up under your nose or shove it against your cheekbone, you can feel for yourself how unpleasant it feels to be attacked with it. Imagine being struck anywhere on the face with it.

Other safety practices include:

• Avoiding isolated stops at night unless necessary.

• Not sharing on social media that you’re out of town until getting back from the trip.

• Trusting your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.

Final Thoughts

Prioritizing safety on the road goes beyond just packing the right tools—it’s about being prepared, alert, and having a clear plan. Each tip and tool discussed here is designed to boost your confidence and readiness, allowing you to handle unexpected situations with ease. Remember, preparedness is a skill; the more you train and plan, the better equipped you'll be to stay secure and enjoy the journey ahead.

God Bless

-B