Security Drivers Aren’t Chauffeurs
One of my greatest pleasures is teaching Security Drivers - not chauffeurs or rideshare drivers. I train Protectors to drive Protectees and to do it safely. I pray they will never become the best example of the worst of us – the individual, posing as a security driver, who drove Princess Diana to her death.
One of the current impediments to our driving craft is the vehicle gear selector. It is a unique concern that most folks never think about. But the professionals in this space obsess over the tiny details.
Immediate Action Drills: Forward, Backward, or Around
Most competent EP/security driver training teaches immediate action drills. I teach what I was taught in the FBI. When confronted with a lethal situation in front of you, go forward, backward, or around it. And do it quickly. Forward or Backward also includes ramming, in certain scenarios.
Why Not Return Fire From the Vehicle?
I’m not going to entertain the ever-present gunslingers reading this who want to break leather and engage the threat from their vehicle. This response might be very effective in certain situations: police officer, military operator, contractor, etc.
But in close protection with a Protectee in the car, this response can kill your client.
The Gear Selector Problem Under Stress
A current trend I see in my security driver training scenarios is the delay in moving from Park to Drive or Reverse. The student can usually manage to shift gears with little stress, but when I apply some stress – like Simunition or paint rounds - the student experiences a significant delay. The delay is caused by the inability to quickly find the right gear because of the vehicle manufacturer’s choice of buttons. In my experience, that delay is at least three seconds. The four selectors pictured below are causing real delays for my students.
Four common gear selector types
4 Ways Security Drivers Can Reduce Shift Delay
The best advice for those Security Drivers reading this is:
- Know your vehicle
- Try to stay with the same vehicle each day
- If renting for a travel assignment, get the same type of car you normally drive
- Practice, Practice, Practice
Hope this helps and thank you for what you do every day.
Live with Courage -