LED Lights for Self-Defense

Auto LED Model: TT7575 See details Our price: $19.99

If the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you walk through a dark parking lot, it’s for good reason. Parking lots are the third most frequent setting for violent crimes, while more than half of all sexual assaults occur at night, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Darkness and isolation provide assailants with both the element of surprise and a cloak for criminal activity, which is why safety experts are increasingly recommending LED flashlights as an essential part of any self-defense kit. A small LED keychain or a flashlight tucked into your purse or glove compartment can go a long way toward preventing or warding off an attack.

A good LED flashlight offers a bright beam and can provide thousands of hours of continuous use, making it a valuable tool in situations when dim lighting leaves you vulnerable to surprise. It is also one of the few self-defense tools that can travel with you and won’t cause any raised eyebrows. Plus, unlike mace or other weapons, a small LED light cannot be used against you if it is seized during a struggle.

If possibly, try to always keep a flashlight with you when walking alone at night, and be prepared to use it.

Light the way.
Whether you’re traversing a dark parking lot or walking up a poorly lit street, you’ll be safer with a flashlight in hand. Grip the light firmly in a closed fist, with the bulb end opposite from your thumb. Walk confidently, and shine the light in any dark areas where a person may be hiding.

Secure your vehicle.
When returning to your car at night, use a flashlight to illuminate the back seat and underbelly before you get in. These are places an attacker can lie in wait to take you by surprise.

Be aggressive.
If you are approached by a threatening person, flash your light at him, make eye contact, and yell, “Get back!” or “911!” Make sure your tone is a loud, assertive yell, not a scream of fear. Letting your assailant know you are not going to be an easy victim can help dissuade an attack.

Blind your attacker.
Shining a bright light into an attacker’s eyes can cause temporary disorientation, buying you a precious moment in which to spray mace, flee, or use one of your other self-defense techniques. This effect is short-lived, however, so you should already be on the move when you flash your beam.

Get attention.
If an assailant is relying on darkness for cover, illuminating the area with a self-defense flashlight—and possibly attracting the attention of someone nearby—might be enough of a deterrent to discourage further pursuit. Again, use yelling or a personal alarm, as well, to create as much of a ruckus as possible.

When wielded in conjunction with your voice or a personal alarm, mace, and other self-defense techniques, an LED flashlight can be a valuable part of your safety arsenal. The key is to be proactive rather than reactive and try not to get taken by surprise.

Here are some other techniques to help you stay safe at night:

• Be aware of your surroundings. As you walk, scan the area for anything or anyone suspicious.
• Have your keys in hand before you step outside. Digging through your purse will distract you from what’s going on around you.
• Avoid talking on a cell phone when walking at night, as it will make you less alert.
• Try to park in well-lit lots or garages. If possible, avoid secluded sections or corners that might provide hiding places.
• Park near security cameras whenever possible.
• Lock your doors and windows as soon as you get in the car.
• Don’t linger. Put your keys in the ignition and drive away immediately.
• Always keep your engine in good condition, your tires properly inflated, and your gas tank adequately filled.

~Nicole Krueger, 2009

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