jdege wrote:sprigfan wrote:I'm not an expert, but I would think using a stun gun on someone sitting behind you would be quite difficult. I think she would be better off with good quality mace/pepper spray.
I'm not sure I'd want to try to use pepper spray inside a car.
I would use pepper spray in a heartbeat than go hand to hand. Have been in two squads where Mace/OC was used, it wasn't unbearable with the windows down. OC spray is more of a stream than a mist so the blow back and width of distribution was not as much as with a mist. Think wasp/hornet stream versus OFF insect spray.
The spray was much easier to apply than a stun gun as one did not have to turn around in the seat to apply. It is also small enough to easily keep on your person so the odds of being separated from it are lessened. I have used the foaming spray in training and it seemed to be more concentrated than the typical spray. That may have been a difference in brands but is something to keep in mind.
I used the old Nova stun gun briefly before I changed careers, they worked but one had to be at less than arms length to use. Being a larger, 20 some year old offensive lineman and wrestler gave me a physical advantage that a woman probably wouldn't have at close range. Having a partner or two was also a bonus. Spot the attacker 50+ pounds, give them greater strength, likely more experience, and most importantly initiative and the victim is really behind the 8 ball. Not to mention the assailant may be the one with back up. Heck, given that even today I would be at a physical disadvantage though maybe mitigate that somewhat by being marginally smarter.
A reminder- one is more likely to have OC on them as the small canisters aren't much larger than a lipstick case which can readily be kept in a blouse pocket. That would be much handier than a stun gun from the sounds of which would be kept in the purse, center console, glove box, or door pocket. The other reason for pepper spray is it can be applied to more than one person easier than a stun gun which must make contact with an individual to be effective. This can leave one open to the partner in the event of an attack.
Best would be both- spray in the pocket as it is always in reach and can be used to keep someone at more than arms length and a stun gun when one is able to reach it or if things get close. Be aware though, that anyone with much wrestling or fighting experience will be cognizant of what their foe is doing with their hands and take steps to defend themselves from attack. The further one can keep their assailant away, the less the assailant can do to to assault you.
I hate these discussions, it reminds me how vulnerable transportation drivers are. At least cabbies have dispatchers and sometimes surveillance cameras and/or GPS to keep tabs on them while Uber/Lyft/etc drivers are on their own.