Surviving a Drive-Through

My three year old son and I went out for a “man day” to spend time together.  I had to go to Wal-Mart and Man-Depot (how he says HomeDepot) to get stuff for my real job.  On the way back we stopped to get lunch at Carl’s Jr. (one of the greatest burger chains ever!), he was half asleep so I decided to go through the drive-through.  I ordered and then sat in line reassuring my kid that his kid’s meal was on the way.

I never really liked drive-throughs.  It seems like such a great idea, but… the words of an old cop in California always come back, “don’t get caught in the drive-through it’s like getting caught with you pants down.”  While I haven’t heard of very many crimes committed at drive-throughs I just get nervous being boxed in.  Back at the Carl’s Jr drive through I looked around like I always do and found that there really isn’t anyway out except over the curb and up this giant hill to the freeway.  Luckily I drive a big F250 Super Duty Diesel 4X4 and it would make it without a problem.  I looked at the minivan in front of me with kids jumping up and down in the back seat and the little BMW behind me.  Neither one would have any hope of getting out.

Don’t get caught with your pants down at the drive through.  Drive around the building first, if there isn’t a way for your vehicle to get out when you are in the middle of the line, go inside.  It’s just a rule I live by to make sure I stay safe and keep my family safe.  Having an exit in mind is a normal part of my life.  Anytime I go somewhere I’m always looking for another way out.  I think I picked up the habit working for the armored car company, but I don’t remember, I’ve just always done it.  When I walk in someplace I look for the exits and how the area is laid out.  I do the same when I drive into a parking lot.  It could save you in an emergency and just lets you go around crowds on normal days.

Stay Safe,

Ben

4 Replies to “Surviving a Drive-Through”

  1. I find it funny that an “outsider” would view us as paranoid. But the reality is that when I am with other people, I know I am the only one paying attention. I feel responsible for the security of “x” number of people I am with.

    1. “Just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.” An old joke, but funny. I don’t pay attention to what others think anymore. If I say anything, I just tell them the world is a better place when you pay attention to everything.

      Protecting a group is hard. Think of what you should do while out in a group. I know that some of my friends will do exactly what I tell then an others will argue. The ones that listen get more help. The problem is you simply can’t save everyone and have to prioritize your list. Start with you and your family. They depend on you and you need to survive to be there for them. Then is you can, start protecting friends and others. The reality for if you are with and my family, you are probably on your own. I will take care of my wife and kid before anyone else. Make a list and except that you can’t protect everyone, everywhere, even though we all would love to.

      Stay Safe,

  2. Hello,

    Thanks for all the great articles. They are very helpful. I would like to know if you can recommend a first aid kit specifically for gunshot wounds. I would like to carry something useful for everyday carry and also in my gun bag. Do you know of any online vendors that carry such kits? Or what products do you recommend that we purchase to make our own kit?

    1. My favorite small kit is from ITS Tactical.
      http://www.itstactical.com/store/its-edc-trauma-kit/

      It’s a super simple, small, and easy to use.

      ITS has some other kits also that are really good. The problem with med kits is that you really need to know how to use something inside it or it’s just junk.

      Here is a post I did on some of the stuff I carry.

      https://modernselfprotection.com/2012/02/27/medic-2/

      I will be doing a post on my blow out kit I carries overseas soon. If you have any other questions shoot me an email (top right corner).

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