When moving around, the defender should maintain several feet of distance between himself and the vehicle. It is natural to want to hunker down against the vehicle for protection, but close proximity actually increases vulnerability to penetrating rounds and shrapnel. Also, the defender runs the risk of getting caught up on the vehicle as he maneuvers or banging into it, giving assailants an audible clue to his location. It is better to maintain some distance and maneuver tactically—crouching, using a shuffle step and “pie-ing” the corners of the vehicle. If the engagement should resume, the vehicle can provide a defender with some safer, though unorthodox, shooting positions. Kneeling behind the engine and leaning out to fire, and lying prone behind the wheels are both positions that take advantage of cover, expose as little of the body as possible and still provide stability for accurate shooting.

Preparing to defend oneself from or around a vehicle is a natural extension of the personal protection repertoire developed by responsible armed citizens. From the moment a firearm is drawn to when it is re-holstered, an armed defender that practices the fundamentals of shooting and utilizes the resources available is well equipped to keep himself and others safe—no matter where they are.