Screwdriver for protection?

[Rodentman]

The Rodentwoman and I just took a "Safe Drivers" course for people over 55. We get 10% off our auto insurance. One of the handouts, from the MN Highway Safety and Research Center, St Cloud State University, states:

«Tips for driving alone:

Do not carry weapons, they could be used against you. Instead use everyday items like flashlights and screwdrivers for protection.»

So don't carry a "weapon" but use a screwdriver and a flashlight for "protection." Isn't a "weapon" what you carry for protection. So don't carry a "weapon" but carry a "weapon."

Nonsense crapola.

[macphisto]

That advice is just offensive.

[hammAR]

...don't you have keys.....

[1911fan]

i would write the offending institution and ask them for the basis of their statement regarding weapons.

Its simple and undeniable fact, if you use a gun for defense, you are keeping the bad people away from you.

If you use a contact weapon, you must be in contact with them. Ergo, they are also in contact with you, and any weapon they have, hands, your screwdriver, knife, or HIV contaminated bloody teeth are with in reach of you.

you are much safer stopping the threat before they come into physical contact with you.

There is no evidence that a gun will be turned against you with any higher level of lethality than any other weapon.

[David]

And we all know a screwdriver could never be turned against you. Or maybe they are suggesting you offer the criminal a mix of vodka and orange juice? I can see that working.

[sochr000]

Instead use everyday items

I see no problem with this, an everyday item is a handgun, for me at least. But in all seriousness, yeah, to say that they'll take your gun, but not your screwdriver, really? If you're a lumberjack, does a chainsaw count as a protection device since it's an everyday item?

[Grandpa Rex]

Everyday items and lumberjacks...Hmmmmmm...

What about
Rocket scientists
Butchers
Sword swallowers

[macphisto]

Everyday items and lumberjacks...Hmmmmmm...

What about
Rocket scientists
Butchers
Sword swallowers

I like the way you think.

I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

[John S.]

Why did the train stop in the forest?

[deleted]

There are several states that have laws making possession of burglary tools a crime; some states rate it is as a felony. It would seem that a person who had in their possession a screwdriver and flashlight would be more suspect than a person with a permit and firearm. I’ll opt for the latter.

MN statute uses a keyword; intent. Some other states make no reference to intent, just possession, and a screwdriver is specifically listed as a tool of the trade.

MN 609.59 POSSESSION OF BURGLARY OR THEFT TOOLS.
Whoever has in possession any device, explosive, or other instrumentality with intent to use or permit the use of the same to commit burglary or theft may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

[Stradawhovious]

This thread has changed my mind about self defense. I am going to start carrying a screwdriver now. Why, just last night I made some customizations so that I can slip a screwdriver into the same holster with my 1911. I will always have it with me.

[monschman]

well i can see if you carry a 1911 that a screwdriver would be a necessary extra, and a set of springs, and a new ejector, and.......hehehe
Anyway strad, ever think of getting into the defensive screwdriver custom grips gig? seems like its the new best thing and we all know seniors are gullible

[Stradawhovious]

[first part of quote deleted due to absurdity]
Anyway strad, ever think of getting into the defensie screwdriver custom grips gig? seems like its the new best thing and we all know seniors are gullible

Hey, thanks munchie, great idea! Hey Ttousi, Hey hammAR..... wanna buy some custom screwdriver grips?

[Thunderjohn]

I wonder if they mean phillips or flathead? Or maybe one of those that has a bunch of
interchangeable heads, secretly hidden in the cap?

[Stradawhovious]

Or maybe one of those that has a bunch of
interchangeable heads, secretly hidden in the cap?

That's the Tactical model.