Road Safety for the Armed Citizen: Preparedness, Awareness, and Responsible Travel

Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just commuting across town, staying safe on the road requires more than just knowing how to drive. For concealed firearm permit holders, it means being prepared, staying aware, and understanding how to travel responsibly with defensive tools.

Preparation starts before you leave the driveway. Basic vehicle checks like tires, brakes, and fluids can prevent roadside emergencies. Planning your route in advance (including identifying rest stops, fuel stations, and hospitals) adds a layer of control when the unexpected happens. Don’t forget to pack a travel bag with essentials: medical supplies (such as a tourniquet, trauma shears, and quickclot), roadside gear, and self-defense tools appropriate to your needs. Check out the EDC Shop.

If you’re carrying a firearm or other defensive tool, know the laws of every state you’ll pass through. Permit reciprocity, magazine capacity limits, and carry restrictions (like in bars or posted locations) vary widely based on location. When flying, check TSA guidelines and airline policies prior to arrival to ensure you’re transporting firearms, pepper spray, or other personal protection items correctly. Failure to follow these rules can bring serious legal consequences.

Situational awareness is your first line of defense. Use decision-making frameworks like SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute) or OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) to stay mentally ahead of any potential threat. Whether you’re stopping for gas, checking into a hotel, or taking a break at a roadside attraction, knowing what’s going on around you gives you time and space to respond effectively.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of managing road rage: yours or someone else’s. Keep your cool, avoid eye contact or gestures, and don’t engage with aggressive drivers. If needed, drive to a well-lit, public place or a police station and call for help.

Staying safe on the road as a responsibly armed citizen means more than carrying a firearm. It’s about preparation, legal knowledge, and mental discipline. Partnered with the USCCA, we are offering a free USCCA course to the community, "How to Stay Safe on the Road" at 5.11 Tactical in Newark, Delaware on June 12, 2025 from 6:00PM - 7:45PM. If you're local, swing by for a more in-depth approach to this topic taught by USCCA Certified Instructors. Seating is limited and registration can be secured by clicking this LINK. Stay sharp, stay aware, stay frosty and always keep your head on a swivel.