Stun Guns Any Good?

Hi,

I rec'd an email the other day suggesting the use of wasp spray as it is stronger than pepper spray and doesn't require you to be close to the assaulter as you can spray from several (like 20 ft away). Pepper spray and stun guns require the person to be very close. I say treat em like a bug!!!
It works more like the shotgun effect...you don't have to be so exact, either.
Much less expensive, too. Ultimately, you need to use what you feel most comfortable with and especially in a stress situation. Have a safe trip. K.

I don't know anything really about either, but I would think just some pepper spray would do the trick if you get in a sticky situation. Most Police Officers recommend pepper spray over anything else. If used properly the effects are difficult for anyone to take. Just a suggestion. Have a safe trip.

A weapon is only a good idea if you know how to use it. I carry a gun, but I am well trained in how and when to use it. With or without a weapon there are some simple things you can do to keep safe while on the road. First off, NEVER use rest stops if you are traveling alone or alone with kids. Always stop at gas stations or cafes in towns to use the potty. Research the town you will be staying in to find hotels in safe areas, and try to stop before it gets dark. Keep your doors locked while you travel through towns you do not know. If you are not used to using a weapon and are unsure of it, it will show and the perp will use it against you. If you decide to get a weapon, get the proper training to go along with it.

I'm sorry...I'm so confused. What on earth do you need a stun gun for while driving 3000 miles?!

If you're worried about safety, get mace or pepper spray. Keep your doors locked. Stay on main roads. Pull over for gas in well lit areas.
No one else on the open road will automatically assume that you are driving 3,000 miles.
As for stun guns, from what I understand, you have to physically touch it to a person for it to work. You'd be better off with a deterrant that keeps someone from getting that close.
I'll have to ask my son, but I don't know that it's legal for civilians to carry tasers. I'm sure you could get your hands on one, but being caught with one in your possession might not bode well.
I understand wanting to protect yourself, but there might be better ways to go about it.

A good friend of mine told me about this cheap method of self defense.
She said that getting a can of wasp/hornet spray will keep an attacker at bay, because the spray shoots up to 22 feet. It will blind an attacker.

A can is only a few dollars.
So if I was you I would get a few cans for the road trip.

God bless you and your family.

This is for Sarah,
It's there to keep K. and her children safe from anyone that might want to hurt them.
There are those that look to hurt mothers with children because there is no man around.

.

If you are worried about safety while driving, check with your local police department - you don't want to carry anything illegal (even if it's for self-defense) across state lines. Check into pepper spray and/or a self defense class. Even if you do get a taser or stun gun. would you be properly trained in time to use it (or to take it aways from the wrong hands, i.e. your kids in a contained car?).
Make sure you have a direct route along with a map of rest stops and/or hotels to stay so you don't get tired or stranded while driving. Keep your phone charged at all times - just look out for yourself and your family with common sense, and hopefully you won't have to worry about others.

I've had to drive long distances with my kids, so I understand your concerns.

All of the advice you have received is great, stay on the main roads, etc.

The only thing I want to add is that I know how exhausting it is to drive a long distance with the kids. Make sure you plan in extra time to give yourself a break from driving.

Good luck and have a safe trip!

What are you going to do with a stun gun?? It sounds like you would be better off spending your money on some fun games or music for the ride. The chances of your kids accidentally hurting themselves on one of these weapons would be much higher than the chance that you might need them

if you have time before you go i would recomend taking a self defence class. remeber what ever weapon you carry they can use it against you if you dont have controll of the situation.

with a stun gun you would need to turn it on and then make sure this person is standing so close to you so you can stun them. If you don't want to spend alot of money on something really good then just stick with maze some of them spray up to 25 feet away so you don't have to come into contact with the person. but something I purchased the last time I went out of town was the cobra flash light it is pricey but very well worth it look it up on line.

There are some long stretches between here and there that won't have gas stations .... so make sure you fill up often so you don't get stranded somewhere.

As for protecthing yourself, good for you. If it were MY husband, he'd be researching all of this gun stuff and proably wouldn't even want me traveling that far by myself by car even if I was armed. He'd pay for a flight. Is that an option? Or he'd make sure HE's traveling with me. Is THAT an option?

You gave me a laugh. My first thought was that you wanted it for the KIDS! Having 6 kids and traveled a lot you can see why that might be my first thought. Then I thought of Benadryl. Then my mind cleared and realized you meant for protection. I don't have any helpfor you but just couldn't resist letting you know you did lighten my day. Good luck on the trip.

Do your kids really need that much control? :)
Seriously, why not just get some pepper spray? It does what you would need to immobilize someone and is far less expensive. Keep it in your hand in public areas if you're the least bit nervous.
Stop earlier in the evening to avoid being out in the dark. Choose "nicer" motels (splurge a little if you have to) with well lighted parking. I would get one with indoor hallways, not outdoor access to rooms. That is one more level of security. Likewise, eat only in well lighted places in well traveled areas that are a little more upscale looking. Keep your kids close to you, particularly during rest stops and in motels.
Enjoy your trip and the bonding time, and if you're prudent about security as above, all should go well.

I have traveled from East Texas to Tucson AZ last fall with just my 3 year old. We stayed on the interstate and I stopped before dark for the night. I also stopped at truckstops as they are usually always busy. I did not have any problems. I wish you luck on your trip.

Stun guns are illegal in a number of states and a number of towns. Some states that they ARE legal in, you can not transport them in a vehicle (for home defense only). Tasers are in the same category as stun guns in many states, so even if you had the money, you would have the same problem.

Good luck.