There is an interesting trend that we’re seeing happen too often here in the U.S.
Frankly, though, it shouldn’t happen at all, so any time it happens is too often.
That trend? People just leaving their firearm in their vehicle.
Now, I’m not talking about people who place their pistol in a holster attached to the vehicle somehow (mounted securely under the dash, etc.) when in the vehicle for easier access if they need to access it while seated in the car.
I’m talking about people leaving their gun in their car, often just loose in the vehicle. Maybe sitting on the seat. Maybe tucked in a storage cubbyhole in the dash.
This is a bad idea.
If you’re wondering why I say that, Caleb at Patriot Training Center has some thoughts on exactly this issue. You can watch his video below and hear those thoughts.
Do you see now why you shouldn’t leave your firearm unsecured in your vehicle?
It’s more easily stolen from there, and if you’re wanting to avoid helping criminals (while also avoiding leaving yourself defenseless), you want to prevent your firearm from being stolen.
Don’t leave your gun unsecured in your car for people to steal.
Another reason is that, during an accident, the firearm could fly anywhere. That means that it could injure someone in the accident (I don’t mean by firing on its own. I mean because the weight of the pistol could hurt someone if it hits them in the head when the vehicle flips, etc.), or it could fly out of the vehicle for anyone to pick up, whether ignorant child or teen or whether criminal.
And then there’s the whole idea of leaving your gun in your car when you aren’t absolutely required to do so (because you’re going into a courthouse, etc. which legally prevents you from carrying a firearm there). How are you going to defend yourself or anyone else in that moment of surprise when you needed the firearm to stop an aggressor?
Remember the ABCs of firearms: Always Be Carrying. On your person, not left in the car where you have to go get it.
And along with always carrying, train to proficiency and regularly train to maintain proficiency with your firearm.
