A good habit to implement while going to your vehicle is having your keys ready before you arrive at the vehicle. While fumbling around to locate the keys in a purse, briefcase, backpack, jacket pocket, etc. you could find yourself in a self-defense situation. For a would be assailant you are an easy mark because you are at your vehicle where there may be valuables. You are unaware of your surroundings as your mind is busy focusing on finding your keys.

You are also an easy target for a would be car jacking or home invasion robbery. An assailant could walk right up to you, undetected, force you into the vehicle, with or without a weapon, and pretty much do whatever they wanted with a free vehicle and a willing victim. Remember, much of self-defense is about common sense and being aware of what is happening around you.

Another idea for keys is to keep your vehicle and house keys separate from each other. Keep them in different parts of your purse, or briefcase, or in a jacket pocket and a pants pocket. Keeping your keys separated is useful for two reasons. First, if you lose your vehicle keys you can still get into your home if someone gives you a ride home. And if you lose your house keys you can still drive home. If you lose both you will need the assistance of others and will be stranded for some period of time. Second, if you are car jacked, the assailant has only the vehicle keys and not the keys to your home. At least there is some solace there.

One last suggestion regarding keys. Keep a spare vehicle key attached under your vehicle and a spare house key inside the vehicle in case both sets of keys are lost or stolen. Use a magnetic key holder or masking tape to attach the vehicle key. Just make sure to hide them in a place that the “quick lube” person cannot see it. Preparation is key to self-defense and personal protection.