Common Self-Defense "Tips" - Fact or...

Please read the following answer section following this quiz to see which "facts" are truel or false. It could save your life:

1 . The elbow is the strongest part of your body so if you are close enough to use it to hit or jab, do it. It could save your life True or False?

2. If a robber asks for your wallet or purse, do not hand it to him. Throw it and then run like mad in the opposite direction because he is likely to go after your money and you can get away more easily. True or False?

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and wave your arm around and wave like crazy. Yes? No?

4.As soon as you get into a car after shopping, lock the doors. Do not sit there making a list, doors unlocked. If someone is in the car, gun to your head, do not drive off but speed up, wreck the car, set off airbags, etc. True or False?

5.Did this happen:"Someone told me that she thought she heard a baby crying on her porch and called the police. They told her ABSOLUTELY not to open the door because it was a common ploy to use a tape recording of a baby to get people to open their doors."

6. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his contro, run away in a zig-zag pattern. His odds of hitting you are low and it will most likely NOT be a vital organ. Good advice or bad?

If you'd read all 6 tips, go to http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/ninetips.asp to get a full page of TRUE lifesaving tips, as well as an examination of common MYTHS

Here's the truth about the 6 tips above, revealing how important the fine details can be:

1.Engaging in combat should be a last resort and, in reality, the knee is stronger than the elbow. Running away and screaming for help results in more lives saved than other options.

2. Throwing away your wallet or purse may work IF the criminal truly wants ONLY your money. How do you know the true motives? If he is a rapist or serial killer or out to do you bodily harm, this won't be enough, especially if you've seen his or her face. Also, a heavy handbag can (and has) been used as a means of defense.

3. If you are thrown into a trunk, you may have your feet and hands bound. What will you wave with? A much better alternative and one more likely to work is to look for the glow in the dark release tab in newer models. Try to pull this and get attention or freedom that way. PRACTICE USING THIS IN NEW MODEL CARS and have some confidence before you might ever be in a situation where you'd need it.

4. This one is partially true. Yes, it is a good idea to get into your car and immediately lock the doors. If an assailant has a gun to your head, the passenger side air bag is likely to protect him in a crash, although he may be disabled but the gun could go off and kill you. Better bet? Drive to a police station somehow rather than where he tells you. This could take some skillful maneuvering but it is a better choice.

5. Number 5, the crying baby myth, did not happen.Read the details at Snope.

6. I can't say for sure that the part about someone hitting you only "4 out of 100 times" is true when it comes to what would happen to you if you ran away but if you are going to do this then, yes, it is true that a zig-zag pattern is best. Howevr, the Snopes site does not indicate that the 4 out of 100 times statistic is believable, even for an amateur shooter. That is less than 25% of the time for a relatively large moving target.

COMMON SENSE RULES WORTH FOLLOWING:

Avoid deserted places, such as stairwells or deserted parkiing lots. Go where the people are. Get in crowded elevators over stairwells. Choose visible, aboveground parking lots over underground ones. Be mindful of the time of day and how many people are likely to be around. IF YOU HAVE TO VISIT SOMEONE IN THE HOSPITAL IN AN EMERGENCY, ask a hosptial guard to escort you back to your car.

Stay focused on your PRESENT SURROUNDINGS. Do not think of what you are planning to do in a few minutes but be fully aware of what is going on at the moment. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts.

Do not get into vehicles with strangers or allow them into yours. This seems pretty basic info, right? Many people have fallen for the "good guy" trick where a person offers to drive them to the nearest gas station or a nearby "friend's home". Amazingly, many people don't want to appear "rude" and make themselves victims out of politeness or not wanting to appear ungrateful. You can ask them to get the police or call someone but DO NOT UNLOCK THAT DOOR. Honk on your horn if you can't drive away if things go from bad to worse.

Don't let strangers into your home (although you may wish to make an exception for a lost or crying child). For adults, unless you are SURE the person is critically injured, call 911 or whatever helpful service they need. Yes, you risk anger, but an angry person is better than the possible loss of your life.

Finally, do not forget that these details do count. Pick the choice that ups YOUR chances for survival.