FOR WOMEN ONLY: Solo women and protection/safety on the road

[cyndi]

Tammi asked this question in another thread, so I thought I'd start its own thread. It's an important topic.<br /><br />Quoted:<br /><em>"</em><span id="post_message_1275472102"><em>My Private Investigator friend is encouraging me to get a handgun for protection if I insist on traveling alone.&nbsp; Is that something you other single girls have done?&nbsp; CA Laws are more strict than other states; what are the requirements if you're traveling through other states?"</em><br /><br /></span>(I'm not comfortable with a guns so I'll be carrying flare guns (one up front and one in the living quarters.) They are legal every where and can do some serious damage. I also carry a tazer and will have some for sale at the RTR. These are not legal everywhere, so researching locations and legal issues is necessary. When I am in states whene they are illegal they will simply be taken apart and packed away.<br /><br />Mostly I rely on my dog. Arsholes are generally cowards and stupid and prefer easy targets. A dog complicates things. The exception to that rule are the zombie tweekers and other drug addled minds.&nbsp;<br /><br />This is one of the discussions the women's group at the RTR has. Bring your questions. I'll also add that some of the women that have attened that group in the past have been on the road for years and only a couple had any negative or dangerous encounters, on the road or boon docking in the middle of no where. Some of those encounters may not have been bad, but their gut told them to GTFO.

 

[mockturtle]

As I have already posted at least once, my defense system is three tiered:<br />1.&nbsp; Early warning system [dog]<br />2.&nbsp; Strong deterrent [bear spray]<br />3.&nbsp; Last resort [handgun]<br /><br />After a few unsettling situations, I have realized that I need to carry my bear spray <em>in my hand</em> while hiking or even walking in a deserted area.&nbsp; OTOH, one situation occurred at a busy rest area in daylight and involved a trucker and I hadn't even thought to take my bear spray while walking my dog.&nbsp; It's weird because, for years, there were no scary encounters and then, in one year, there have been <em>three</em>.&nbsp; Are perps, or potential perps, getting more prevalent or just bolder?&nbsp; I'm not talking about actual assaults or physical contact, just scary, stalking-type situations.&nbsp; BTW, in one situation, all I did was hold my cell phone to my ear like I was talking on it and then aimed the cell phone at him like I was taking a picture.&nbsp; He fled.

 

[gp]

Cyndi, can a taser be used inside a van without shorting out the electrical systems if it hits the interior metal anywhere? I bought the van for the safety of being able to jump in the driver's seat and get out of dodge if needed. I have considered buying a taser, but I don't want to short out my electrical/ignition system just when I need it the most.

 

[Suanne]

... all I did was hold my cell phone to my ear like I was talking on it and then aimed the cell phone at him like I was taking a picture.&nbsp; He fled.

<br /><br />That was brilliant!&nbsp; And something I'll remember for myself.<br /><br />I also have multi-layered ways of keeping myself safe.&nbsp; First and foremost I listen to my gut.&nbsp; If it doesn't feel right, even if the feeling isn't logical, I leave.&nbsp; I've had that happen only a couple of times in my travels.<br /><br />When sleeping in my vehicle, I keep the key fob with the car alarm close.&nbsp; If someone or some animal is outside and I feel threatened, I'll let loose on the alarm.&nbsp; I've not ever had to use it.&nbsp; Similarly, I keep a fog (air)&nbsp;horn in the car for the same purpose.<br /><br />When hiking or walking, I bring an emergency whistle.&nbsp; This isn't just any old whistle ... you can hear it for miles.&nbsp; The standard signal for help is 3 whistles.&nbsp; This is more for safety or rescue&nbsp;vs. protection.&nbsp; Similarly, I carry a SPOT GPS messenger that can call 911 with my coordinates even when I'm out of cell phone range.<br /><br />Also when hiking I'll carry bear spray.&nbsp; It's usually in a pocket with my hand on it.&nbsp; Rarely, I'll carry a hand gun ... and I do so with all thoughtfulness ... knowing that it's a life-taking device.&nbsp; I've only been in a couple of situations where I felt this was necessary ... once while hiking, and once in my sticks-and-bricks.&nbsp; However, if I'm in a state where it's legal for me to conceal carry, I have it within arms reach while in my vehicle.<br /><br />I've taken other passive&nbsp;precautions at my campsites while traveling solo, such as setting 2 chairs up at the fire ring, or fastening a heavy chain to&nbsp;the table&nbsp;next to&nbsp;a large dog bowl.&nbsp; I have a friend&nbsp;who puts size 13 muddy shoes on her dash or at her side door.<br /><br />Although I've not felt the need to use them, I have 2 motion detector alarms that I can set up at a campsite that will chime and wake me up if some large animal (human or otherwise)&nbsp;gets close enough to my car.&nbsp; Kind of like a dog would do.<br /><br />Of all of these tactics, however, I do believe listening to my gut is the most beneficial.<br /><br />Suanne ... who knows that living is inherently risky

 

[twokniveskatie]

Tammi-
handgun laws differ from state to state. It's the responsibility of the gun owner to know them as they cross the different state lines. There are websites that help with this:

Link to concealed carry permit reciprocity map:
http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html

This explains what states honor the CCP of your home state. On states that dont recognize your permit, you must unload and secure weapon and ammo separately out of reach.

******
Link about duty to inform:
http://rugerforum.net/ccw/48027-duty-inform-states.html

This explains which states requires fun owners to declare their weapon to police officers during a traffic stop, for instance.
******
That's a start.....

 

[VanGirl]

Having lived in my van or truck for a few years has taught me several things. The best lesson you can learn is to watch where you park. While the guys tend to be stealth on city streets I have found I don't feel safe doing that. Most of the time I park at a commercial business such as an office building, construction site with security, Walmart or one of the many truck stops everywhere. I also have commercial sign that I put on the van when I think I need them. <br /><br />About a year and a half ago I was working down in central Texas. I tried parking at one of the many small roadside parks in that area. I awoke to a horrible noise. I quickly got out of there. Later inspection of the side of my van found that I had been hit by what appeared to be a 9mm hollow point. The bullet did not pierce the body of the van but it could have. My point is that I had stayed at business locations for years with no issues. The second time I tried a remote area this is what happened.<br /><br />Before you carry a gun please think about the real issues involved. Can you really kill someone? Most of the time when there is real trouble the gun is somewhere else. You will be in a lot of trouble going from state to state if you do not have several permits. Some states honor others and some do not. If you want to drive to Canada or Mexico and take it across the border you could spend the rest of your life in their prison system just for owning it.<br /><br />Other methods are much better. Once in south Dallas I was approached by a man that was acting strangely. At the time I was traveling with a friend from Tennessee. She observed the situation, went inside to report it to the cashier. The cashier called for a guy that was standing around. He called other plain clothes officers that were eating at the same place. Before I could finish pumping the fuel and to talking to the guy the police had him in handcuffs. Turns out he was wanted by the law. My friend probably saved my life that evening. <br /><br />Using your head is the best defense you have.

 

[ttpadilla]

Thanks for starting this, Cyndi, I didn't see it until it just popped up in New Posts.&nbsp; And thank you, Katie for the links.&nbsp; I'll go check 'em out.&nbsp; I like the idea of Bear Spray, and I already have a dog.&nbsp; Taser also sounds good.&nbsp; Although I plan to be plenty careful, you just never know when you're on the road, what might happen.&nbsp;&nbsp; Although I would take gun safety (and use) classes, at this time my gut tells me that gun ownership would likely cause me more trouble than benefit.&nbsp; In CA (where I currently reside) they have now made "open carry" illegal.&nbsp; The "conceal carry" permit is very difficult to get, so my only option would be to leave it at home, or lock it (unloaded, and separate from its ammunition) in my trunk or another locked area of my vehicle (which does not include console or glove compartment).&nbsp; What good would that do me in an emergency? If I end up moving where the laws are less complicated, I will likely consider it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[Doc T]

<p>Hey I like this post!&nbsp; And having a "girls" room is cool!&nbsp; I have been in city, desert, and forest.&nbsp; I lave been in all lower 48 states. I have been a van dweller on and off since 2002.&nbsp; Within the last few weeks I have finally committed to ful time van dwelling (actually car dwelling, I have a PT Cruiser, talk about tiny living!&nbsp; LOL)&nbsp; I have been blessed with no problems.&nbsp; I agree the best defense is listen to your gut no matter how stupid you feel about it.&nbsp; Better to be "silly" than be dead or raped.&nbsp; <br /><br />I carry a dog!&nbsp; I feel safest with a dog.&nbsp; Even though my dog is as small as my car she is feroscious and would die before she let anyone hurt me.&nbsp; Of course I understand she is an early warning system and depend on her for that.&nbsp; A gun?&nbsp; Years ago I almost shot a very good friend because of a weird situation and I swore off guns then as for protection.&nbsp; I have thought of a rifle for the desert and forest for protection against non human invaders.&nbsp; For human invaders I keep a trusty knife.&nbsp; I figure someone is going to be too close to me by the time I know someone is attacking me and I have a better chance with a knife than with a gun.&nbsp; If someone is cut I think they would slow down some&nbsp; assiisting in a get away.&nbsp; I don't feel a need to kill someone,just get away from them.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />As a city dweller I parked at 24 hour places, near Walmart, fast food places, grocery stores that were either open all nite or that did stocking at nite (I was just another "stocker" parked in the lot).&nbsp; I also parked on residential city streets where those who lived in the area did that as well.&nbsp; <br />On the road I did the rest stops but prefered the rest stops, most of them have parking areas where non truckers can park over nite and is usually well lit.&nbsp;&nbsp; I NEVER never parked in "bad" areas of any town.&nbsp; Especially as neat and clean females it is not necessary&nbsp; to do that.&nbsp; <br /><br />I have lived in a 26 foot motor home, an converted 16 passenger van, an SUV and chevy and a ford passenger car and now my pt cruiser.&nbsp; Of all I like my cruiser the best so far.&nbsp; Nice talking to everyone and thanks for letting me share my experiences!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p>&nbsp;are</p>

 

[twokniveskatie]

Hi Doc T, and welcome!

There are some books out there that I recommend reading. One of my favorites that deals with instincts and fear is called "the Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036Z9U2A/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

If there is any girl who would like it but can't budget it right now, PM me and I'll get it for you. I think it's that good, that important.

 

[ttpadilla]

Just bought it on Kindle for $1.99.&nbsp; Thank you, Katie!!&nbsp; I read the first chapter, and can see the value in this book.&nbsp; I have always had very strong instincts when it comes to people, but I'm sure you agree, that situations can arise where knowing that someone intends to do you harm, isn't always enough to prevent it.&nbsp; Broken down on a long, lonely, stretch of highway, for instance... Shite happens, and I know I personally am not going to be able to control every situation.&nbsp; So, yes, I absolutely want to hone my instincts, and prevent dangerous situations whenever possible!&nbsp; But when not possible, I definitely want some "technologies of conflict."&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[Brighid]

Wow! Having a women's forum is great! <br /><br />I've lived in vans, trailers, mini-vans, cars, etc. all throughout the past. I've never had a gun. I don't want one. It'd be more trouble than its worth, to me, and I don't think I could hurt anyone, anyhow. I've always had dogs. Dogs are great alarm systems! Currently I have a Jack and they're rather fierce little protectors. And I park carefully - even at some of the places where other people park at nights, I won't park, because it can be dangerous. For example, the WalMart in Ukiah, Ca. is filled with transients who drink and drug. Not a good place. <br /><br />Sometimes you can contact a woman's shelter, or other type of shelter, in towns, and they will know places. Or even ask police! They're usually more sympathetic to clean women living in vehicles. (Sorry, just a fact!) <br /><br />I think the bear spray is an excellent idea. I'll invest in that. And I'll try to find that book on Amazon, too. I don't have a Kindle, but I suppose I may invest in one, eventually, as I love to read and it'd take up a lot less room than my library. &gt;.&gt;<br /><br />rofl at that notice!!!

 

[mockturtle]

I suspect those of us who have experienced assault are more strongly determined to avoid it ever happening again.&nbsp; And, yes, I am willing to kill before becoming a victim again.

 

[twokniveskatie]

Mock turtle, I hear ya.

Brighid- you don't need a kindle to get those books. You can download them to a computer or laptop or even a smartphone. We had a recent thread on it, I'll try to find the link. Think it's on the free ebook thread.

 

[VanGirl]

Someone asked about a taser inside a van. I can tell you from my engineering background and 35 years of working in the Tech/Electronics field. It is possible to damage the electronics of your van with the current that travels in the taser, however&nbsp;in real life it would be almost impossible for it to happen. The odds of a taser being able to attach and hold itself to metal are very slim. Maybe if you are using a raw cargo van with little or no interior. If&nbsp;a taser&nbsp;were my defense weapon of choice I would not worry about the very slim odds of it. Electrical current takes the path of least resistance. The odds of the taser probes landing where the current would travel across a sensitive circuit - NOT LIKELY&nbsp; The current would not ground out because the tires are insulators.<br /><br />VanGirl

 

[Brighid]

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thanks, twokniveskatie! <br /><br />Mockturtle, I, too, wouldn't wish it to happen to me again. Downside is that we have fight, flight and freezing as our main animal reactions, and I freeze (experience speaking). So a gun, or knife, for me, would be handing my assailant a weapon. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" alt="" name="graphics1" width="15" height="15" align="ABSMIDDLE" border="0" />&nbsp; I am better off finding alternative methods of staying safe.</p>

 

[cyndi]

Thanks, for the input, VG!

 

[yesican]

Bear Spray is a good deterent, and if you can't get hold of any, Wasp spray would work too.&nbsp; It's cheaper, stings well, and shoots further than bear spray.<br />Rae

 

[Brighid]

I was actually reading about that, because a friend of mine suggested the wasp spray. She keeps it by her bed. However, I also read <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;"><a href="http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/w/wasp-spray.htm"><span style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;">this</span></a></span>:<br /><br />

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is also a liability issue to consider. There is the question of whether using insecticides in such a manner could bring liability issues for the user. &nbsp;&nbsp; Insecticides are controlled by the Environmental&nbsp; Protection Agency (EPA), which prohibits the use of such products other than the originally intended purpose.&nbsp;&nbsp; The EPA web site has information posted that says insecticides must be properly labeled to inform users on proper use before they can be sold. The EPA site also says, "The overall intent of the label is to provide directions for product use while managing risks to human health and the environment. It is a violation of federal law to use a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling."</span></span>

<br /><br />and <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;"><a href="http://oklahomapersonaldefense.com/waspspraymyth.html"><span style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;">this</span></a></span>:<br /><br />

As a professional personal defense instructor who has researched many self-defense products and legalities, I can tell you there are two things very wrong with using wasp spray for self-defense.&nbsp; One, federal law prohibits the use of any pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.&nbsp; That means FELONY PRISON!

&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />And I could totally see someone who I used it on taking me to court for it. &gt;.&lt;

 

[twokniveskatie]

That's so crazy, isn't it? They attack you and you have to be afraid of liability. They should thank their lucky stars it was only wasp spray you aimed their way.

 

[ttpadilla]

yep, better just to shoot 'em and be done with it...<br /><br />Edited to add: What's the rule about Bear Spray, then?&nbsp; Oh, and the above was said, tongue-in-cheek.&nbsp;