We live in a world where violent crimes are unfortunately prevalent. While psychological literature explores the motivations behind human violence, in personal security work, I have found that location matters more than motive.
Most attacks on targeted people happen in and around the vehicle. The book Just 2 Seconds supports this with extensive data. Executive Protection professionals understand this concept well and practice arrival and departure procedures extensively. It is one of the most critical areas of protective operations.
Consider the tragic cases of corporate executives without protection – Sidney Reso of Exxon and Charles Geschke of Adobe. Both were targeted at their vehicles. These cases illustrate how vehicles represent critical vulnerability points that are often overlooked.
A recent example involved a judge shot in his home's driveway with his family present. The killer had suffered an adverse ruling and targeted the victim at a known location where the attacker perceived an advantage. The driveway. The vehicle. The predictable pattern.
While visible security measures like guards, cameras, and fencing offer deterrent value, invisible security creates uncertainty that disrupts attacker planning. In vehicle situations, however, unknowns are minimal – making the targeted person's preparedness absolutely crucial.
Risk is mitigated, it is not eliminated. But there are practical steps everyone can take.
For behavioral changes: avoid predictable routines regarding departure times and vehicle usage. If routine changes are not feasible, increase your vigilance during those predictable moments.
For your environment: remove hiding spots like trash cans and overgrown vegetation near your vehicle. Install powerful lighting and always park in well-lit areas. Trust your intuition – it exists for a reason.
For personal preparation: remain mentally present and phone-free during vehicle access. Keep defensive tools readily accessible. Scan for anomalies and suspicious individuals. Do not rationalize unusual behavior – like someone wearing heavy coats and sunglasses on a hot night. Project strength and awareness while approaching your vehicle. Develop contingency plans for both fight and flight options. Prioritize escape over confrontation when possible, and travel with companions when feasible.
I categorize threats as random, group-associated, or individually targeted. Those who believe they face individual targeting should consult threat assessment professionals with proven expertise. Do not try to handle it alone.
Live with courage -