Antiterror: How to survive a vehicle attack

Vehicles become dangerous weapons when controlled by terrorists. 12 dead and 48 injured in Berlin speak volumes. In Nice on July 14, 2016, there were even 86 dead and 434 injured. At the Ohio State University, there were 13 injured when an IS radicalized individual used a car as a weapon. Now it's Barcelona... Norwood, a former member of the US Special Forces and today an author at SOFREP, explains how each of us can protect ourselves from such attacks.

Avoiding vulnerable events and areas.

The most important measure for self-protection is to consider where you are going and develop a situational awareness that helps you avoid becoming a potential target. Large gatherings of people, such as Christmas markets and other events, are potential targets. Any large outdoor crowd where a vehicle can approach unnoticed is a potential target.

Situational awareness

Whenever you are in an environment where many people are gathered and where an attack with a vehicle could occur, it is important to maintain a high level of situational awareness. You should pay attention to where the main approach lines are coming from the road. Try to understand where vehicles can come from, whether it be via a road or easily crossable terrain next to the road. By keeping an eye on these paths, suspicious vehicles can be spotted from a distance and you can move to cover in time.

If you pay attention, you will notice if a vehicle is not driving normally. Even for a radicalized person, the moment he wants to drive into the crowd with a car is undoubtedly an emotionally challenging moment. If the driver is angry or overeager, he may accelerate the car even before reaching the crowd. On the other hand, it could be noticeably slow, as the man at the wheel tries to "sneak up" on the crowd. Perhaps it is even difficult for such a driver to act on his impulse, and he unnecessarily speeds up and slows down the vehicle. Regardless of how the situation is, it is possible that the driver gives off an unconscious signal that someone who is attentive will notice.

Barriers provide cover

Look for concrete walls or trees that can serve as barriers and create distance between yourself and an attack. If you are next to a barrier and away from the crowd, you are already safer in case the driver exits the vehicle and continues the attack with a weapon. Most importantly, a concrete wall or tree can stop a vehicle. Even a fence can become a lifesaver, as it can at least slow down a vehicle.

If a vehicle is approaching quickly, try to disappear from the crowd.

Whatever you do, act! Don't stand around with the crowd, mesmerized by what is happening. Disappear from the crowd and try to estimate the path the vehicle will take and avoid it.

If the vehicle stops, do not play the hero. The car could explode or the driver may be armed.

The attacker in Nice had a weapon and also left the vehicle. VBIEDs (Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices) are common weapons for terrorists. Whether a shooting or explosion comes next, it is not worth finding out. Wait, try to assess the situation and rethink your next steps before even thinking about approaching the vehicle.

Before helping other injured, make sure your family is safe and that you are not injured yourself.

Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, people do not realize they have already been injured. If a vehicle attack has occurred and there are injured people who need help, you need to step back: Make sure you are not injured, and more importantly, make sure everything is okay with the family you are with. Then move towards safety together, either by creating distance between you and the scene or by hiding behind solid cover in case of another attack. Then, as mentioned before, wait and watch what happens next, if there is any further suspicious movement.

Your own safety comes first, and if you are unsure what will happen next, get out and call for help. The most important thing you can do is to alert the police and professional helpers so they can arrive on the scene as quickly as possible.

NORWOOD is a former Green Beret, a member of the US Special Forces.

SOFREP online: https://sofrep.com