Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

We see it nearly every time we are in the parking lot of a super store – a woman, sometimes with children in tow, loaded down like a pack mule carrying bags stuffed with items she just purchased.

The thought process is that it’s much easier, quicker and less cumbersome to leave the cart behind, grab the sacks and go. While this method of transport from store to vehicle may be faster, it is also an unsafe practice.

Would-be perpetrators look for easy prey. They want a victim who looks vulnerable. Someone who has a purse flung over her shoulder, finagling bags, and in some cases managing a baby or toddler, is an easy target. She has no ability to resist, gouge or easily get away.

If the store offers a grocery cart for your convenience – hang onto it until you have safely unloaded your cargo in your vehicle. Taking the extra 60 seconds to ensure that your hands remain free will afford you a precious few seconds you may need to escape.

Additionally, the cart can act as a barrier between you and any potential wrong doing. It helps keep the distance between you and an attacker. Furthermore it can be used to ram into someone who has any wrongdoing in mind.

The next time you’re tempted grab the bags and go - remember to Keep the Cart!

You’re sitting in a nightclub when the server comes over to hand you a glass of Chardonnay.  She informs you, “This is from the gentleman at the bar.”

As tempting and flattering as that may be, you’re wise not to accept it. Unless you personally witnessed the bartender pour your beverage and then you kept your eye on it from the time it left the bar until it was presented to you, politely decline the offer.

How many times have you left your drink unattended at the table while you went on the dance floor or to the restroom?  Please think twice before you do that again.  Never leave your beverage unattended.  Drink it before you leave the table; or simply get a fresh drink once you return.

Why is it important to have custody of the beverages you ingest?

Street Cocktails also known as Date Rape drugs include GHB, Rohypnol (”roofies”) and Ketamine (”Special K”) which are frequently used to create an environment favorable to the commission of sexual assault on unsuspecting victims. Victims may be rendered physically helpless without the ability to rebuff sexual overtures or recall the incident even after just a few hours.   These drugs don’t contain any obvious smell or taste that would affect the appearance of your drink, which makes them undetectable and potentially very dangerous. Your best defense is to know what you are drinking.

Make a pact with your friends to watch each other’s backs and also keep an eye on their drinks. Be especially alert to any odd behavior exhibited by friends and know that they are watching for the same in you. Anyone exhibiting characteristics described above could pose a risk to you and themselves.

Drinking responsibly has taken on an additional meaning. Have fun; but be safe.  Cheers!

Summer is finally here for most Americans living in the United States. For those of us living in the upper 48 it’s time to turn our attention away from the bitter cold and start thinking about getting outdoors and taking in the sun. Many of us will venture away from our home range in search of that perfect vacation spot—and despite record fuel prices—prefer traveling by automobile. In practice we take all the necessary precautions to ensure the vehicle is mechanically sound for the trip—engine tune-ups, oil changes, top off the wiper fluids—and, do not forget to check tire pressure on the spare.

Finally, the day of departure has arrived and armed with the map and credit card we pile into the car. Then back slowly from the driveway and merge courteously onto the thoroughfares that are teeming with thousands of likeminded commuters. Without warning, a car from out of nowhere slips in behind. The driver of that vehicle closes the distance and is so dangerously near that you can read his lips. You immediately know that he is not trying to get your attention because your skirt is caught in the door. In fact, his face is contorted in a fit of anger.

You have become the victim of unwarranted “Road Rage.”

So, how do we handle this situation so as not to anger the driver further and permit ourselves to disengage from this very dangerous game of cat and mouse?

1. First, remain in control of your vehicle by ensuring both hands are firmly on the steering wheel. Check your speedometer and make certain that you are traveling within the highway speed limit. Using your vehicles mirrors, check outside of your vehicle for the proximity of other automobiles.

2. Do not be tempted to accelerate and race away from the aggressive driver. Doing so will only prompt more aggression, which in turn elevates the risk factor considerably. Maintaining safe vehicle speed is your best defense. Slowing slightly may cause the driver to speed past you and project his unwanted aggression elsewhere. If this fails, turn on your vehicle’s flasher lights. This may act to convince the driver that you are experiencing vehicle trouble and see a road hazard ahead. This often has the affect of causing him to back-off and slow down or pull around you. If the vehicle does zip by, avoid the temptation to glance over and make eye contact; under no circumstances should you vocalize or signal your comments about his poor driving habits—“Let sleeping dogs lie.”

3. After the driver passes, remain aware of his actions up ahead. An accident may be imminent and you must be able to act instantly with safe, evasive action to avoid becoming entangled in any collision. If a collision does occur everything you have ever learned about driving defensively will quickly flash through your mind. Having prepared for such an eventuality saves valuable response time needed to avoid a collision at 65 MPH.

Additionally, pull off the highway at the next safe exit. A brief rest stop will help to regain composure and there is no better way to blow off a little steam than with a waffle cone and two scoops of your favorite ice cream flavor—worry about calories later, you’re on vacation. Do not let Road Rage ruin months of planning and preparation. Be Safe!