Anyone who has law enforcement or advanced level security training to include military and/or executive protection has completed some type of advanced driver training. This training includes learning the functional dynamics of a vehicle and how it will perform under certain circumstances, to include using the vehicle as an emergency evacuation and escape tool, i.e. an enormous and formidable weapon. 

Emergency circumstances could include having to push or ram an intentionally placed disabled vehicle out of your path of travel, or having to rapidly accelerate in reverse out of a potentially deadly situation, only of course when there are no other options.

Unfortunately the rules have been changing in the name of safety, and changing without any input from us, the professional end user of the vehicle as a tool, as opposed to only as a means of transportation. 

Modern vehicles are becoming more and more technologically advanced every model year, adding new safety features such as: Air bags, ABS braking, Adaptive headlights, Electronic stability control, Traction control, Tire pressure monitoring, Hill assist, Lane assist,  Back-up cameras, Back-up warning sensors, Parking sensors, Blind spot warnings, etc… and all of it is excellent and I would never recommend that anyone ever disconnect or disable any of it. In fact history is proving all of it to be effective and save lives.

From a professional standpoint, what we have to pay particular attention to are the Pre-collision and Post collision systems, some examples include: 

Pre-collision: 

Automatic emergency braking that applies the brakes automatically when possible a forward collision is detected.

Pedestrian/ Bicycle / Obstacle automatic emergency braking that detects a pedestrian in front of the vehicle and applies brakes automatically when a possible forward collision is detected.

Reverse speed governors that disallow certain vehicles from moving in reverse faster than 5 mph. 

Post-collision

Post collision braking applies the brakes, and in some models can shut off the fuel supply after a collision by interacting with the vehicle restraint systems and/or when the airbags are deployed. This is to stop the vehicle from rolling and to avoid a second collision.

Whereas these systems no doubt save countless lives. In a professional setting being able to keep the vehicle in motion before, during and after contact is paramount, i.e. moving off the X. These safety systems, by design prevent the professional end user from using the vehicle as a tool.

Knowledge of your specific vehicles on board safety systems is paramount. Attempting to ram or push your way out a situation with a vehicle that is going to automatically disable itself is most likely only going to place you deeper into the problem and leave you with less options than you had before.

The vehicle was once a powerful asset, and now it is quickly becoming a liability. Learning to fight from your disabled vehicle, and/or to be able to physically evacuate your vehicle and use it as temporary cover, has never been more important.

Stay safe my friends.

June 04, 2020

Donald P. Redl, Jr. – Managing Member Executive Options LLC

Executive Options LLC provides executive security, training and conducts investigations for legal and corporate clients nationwide.

www.exopt-usa.com

(877) 211-3524