PREPAREDNESS ON THE ROADWAY: Traveling is always a risk. We are away from our element, from the safety of our home or workplace. However, that’s the whole purpose of a vehicle! Aside from vehicle crashes; there are an array of threats that present themselves while on the road. Here are some tips for dealing with civil unrest, fuel shortages, heavy traffic, covert vehicle surveillance, emergency egress, and lethal vehicle borne attacks.
VEHICLE AWARENESS & EGRESS:
🚘1. Leave an out》 keep a space of two car lengths from the vehicle in front and have a left or right escape path.
🔎2. Look 2 ahead》 while driving keep you focus on the vehicle ahead of the vehicle in front of you. This will increase your reaction time to unexpected deceleration, road blocks and threats.
⛽3. Travel with a full tank》 if there is a line at the pumps, fuel shortages, or if your stuck in traffic for hours; extra fuel will keep you going.
🧰4. Have a loadout》carry a weapon, spare water, jumped cables, fix-a-flat, flashlight, local paper maps, phone charger, etc.
5. Defensive/Evasive Driving》keep an eye on your rearview mirror for vehicles tailing you, make three right turns to verify suspicious trail vehicles, keep doors locked, tint windows, travel in inside lanes unless there is a positive median barrier, avoid congestion.
💥6. Lethal force ramming》some states have civil immunity for drivers who are surrounded by a violent mob. Check local and state laws. If you fear for your life, you may be justified to egress using deadly force by ramming crowds that threaten your life. Your actions leading up to the incident and your mindset will be put into question.
⛰7. Have the right ride》consider the terrain and environment. Ensure your vehicle has the capabilities to overcome obstacles such as a muddy ditch, soft road barricades, dimly lit areas, threats. This may mean you need a 4×4, a push bumper, suspension lift, caged windows, etc.
🚘8. Clearing a Vehicle Roadblock》in a SHTF scenario gangs, marauders, or militias may set up roadblocks charging a toll to pass (or more terrifying payments). If you absolutely must pass a barricades create by vehicles; build up speed and aim for the rear of a vehicle. Never try to ram the engine block. Target the area between the rear axle and rear of the blockade vehicle. Once contact is made, speed up and power through the checkpoint.
VEHICLE SECURITY AND PROTECTION: Larceny and targeted attacks often stem from soft targets and knowledge of valuables. Make your vehicle a hard target.
✅ Add theft deterrent warnings such as stickers that advise the vehicle has an alarm or GPS tracking.
✅ Conceal Contents: Supplies should be hidden out of sight under the seat, in locked compartments, behind seat back, in decoy container (old paint bucket), glovebox, under a blanket, etc.
✅ Install Security Storage: Weapons and sensitive items should be stored in a hardened container.
✅ Doors Locked at All Times: When you’re driving, when you’re parked, when it’s unattended, even when you’re loading groceries. Keep all doors locked except when necessary for your entry/exit, then lock it back when the door shuts.
✅ Guard Vehicle: This could be cameras that face your driveway or you leaving someone to standby the vehicle while you are on a supply run. Implement improvised audible alarms such as a bell or noise makers. Think outside the box. Ensure that attention will be drawn if an unlawful attempt is made to access your vehicle.
✅ Consider Manual Transmission: Many people cannot drive a manual, this in itself may prevent you vehicle from being stolen.
✅ Minimize “Bling”: Upgrades and equipment packages will just make your vehicle a bigger target.
✅ Employ Theft Deterrents: Things like the Club steering wheel lock along with smart parking and positioning can make your vehicle difficult to steal.
VEHICLE TIPS (PRE-SHTF): Some common sense and a little planning can help ensure you stay moving during storm weather, heavy traffic, and when navigating through high crime areas.
- Loadout your vehicle with emergency and basic supplies following the VEK Checklist and pack a Get
Home Bag (GHB) onboard and carry EveryDay Carry, EveryDay Wear, and Personal Survival Kit
(EDC/EDW/PSK). - Keep your gas tank full in case of evacuation or power outages. A full tank will also keep the fuel line
from freezing - Inspect Vehicle 4 times a year. Check fluids, air filter, battery connections, defroster/heater, brakes, etc.
- Install good winter tires and ensure they have adequate tread or any jurisdiction-required chains or
studs - When traveling during natural disasters and storms,
- Do not drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or
possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars. - Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could
collapse under the weight of a car. - If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock, stay inside until a trained
person removes the wire. - If there is an explosion or other factor that makes it difficult to control the vehicle, pull over, stop
the car and set the parking brake. - If the emergency could impact the physical stability of the roadway avoid overpasses, bridges,
power lines, signs and other hazards. (i.e. earthquakes)
- Do not drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or
- When leaving your vehicle unattended,
- Park in lit area. Do not park beside large vehicles or building that could be used as concealment
by a suspect trying to break into your vehicle. - Lock doors. Place valuables in trunk, lock box, or out of sight.
- Park in lit area. Do not park beside large vehicles or building that could be used as concealment
- Add a locking gas cap to prevent siphoning.
- Add a locking toughbox, underseat safe, or other storage container for valuables and your VEK.
- Tint windows as permissible by law.
This article was originally written by the Grayman Briefing. Stay in the know, sign up for Intel and Situational Awareness alerts pushed to your phone on emerging threats and preparedness warnings. Click HERE to subscribe to the Grayman Briefing.