What To Do If Your Car is Surrounded by Protesters

You’ve just picked up your two children from daycare and are heading home, grateful that your workday is over.

The day has been long, and your mind is already racing with the list of tasks waiting for you—dinner needs to be made, baths given, and somehow squeezing in a moment to unwind.

Sarah is quietly content in her car seat, nibbling on a cookie, while Dylan gazes out the window, his little hands pressed against the glass.

Have you ever been so absorbed in your thoughts while driving that, when you finally reach your destination, you wonder how you got there? That was our driver.

Dylan’s voice suddenly cuts through your thoughts. “Mommy, look!” His tone is filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity. You glance up to see the reflection of flashing lights dancing on the windshield, and your heart skips a beat.

Before you can fully process what’s happening, you realize a group of protesters has taken to the street, their signs raised high and their voices loud.

The realization hits you like a jolt—these protesters are not just blocking the road; they’re moving closer, and it looks like they might surround your car.

Your grip tightens on the steering wheel as your mind races. The peaceful drive home has taken a sudden, unexpected turn, and you need to act fast.

The first thing you may think might be to slam on the gas pedal and speed away to personal safety.

Alternatively, if you have a firearm in the car, you might feel tempted to use it to defend yourself.

However, neither of these responses is advisable.

Accelerating quickly through a crowd is not only dangerous but could also escalate the situation.

Use of firearms should also be approached with extreme caution. The presence of a gun in your vehicle does not automatically justify its use in a tense situation.

Discharging a firearm can have serious legal ramifications and should only be considered if there is an immediate, clear threat to your life.

The key is to prioritize de-escalation and seek non-violent solutions whenever possible.

Instead, focus on maintaining calm, assessing your options, and waiting for the authorities or a police officer to handle the situation.

Your priority should be to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers while avoiding actions that could exacerbate the scenario or lead to unintended harm.

Questions and Answers

What should you do first if you see angry protesters blocking the road?

Stay calm and avoid panic. Slow down and assess the situation. Ensure your doors are locked.

During my research for this article, I found a useful tip mentioned several times: if you have time, slightly crack your windows and turn off your ventilation system.

Turning off the ventilation helps keep smoke or tear gas out of your car if it’s present in the air.

Interestingly, windows that are cracked about 1/2 inch are harder to break than those tightly closed.

Your safety and the safety of your passengers are your top priorities.

Consider if you can make a U-turn or if there’s a street you can take before reaching the protestors to avoid the situation altogether.

Is it safe to try and drive through an angry crowd?

No, it’s not advisable to drive through the crowd. If you strike someone while driving through a crowd, in many jurisdictions, this is considered vehicular assault, which can result in both criminal and civil liabilities.

Unless there is a legitimate threat to your life, running people down could result in serious legal consequences, and you could end up in jail.

What should you do if the protestors start surrounding your car?

If protestors begin to surround your car, do not engage with them or provoke them in any way.

Keep your doors locked, windows up, and your engine running.

Arguing or trying to reason with the crowd will only escalate the situation.

Instead, focus on assessing whether you can back up or turn around safely.

Your priority is to stay calm and avoid any actions that might make the situation worse.

Should you call the police in this situation?

Yes, if your car is surrounded, call the police immediately. Provide your location and describe the situation.

Stay on the line if it’s safe to do so.

The police may already be on the scene and could take action to disperse the crowd, but don't count on it—they might be overwhelmed with the situation.

If the crowd turns into an angry mob, the risk of injury or worse becomes real, so it’s crucial to stay alert and ready to protect yourself. Stay

I personally find it abhorrent that I have to be prepared to legally defend any actions I feel forced to take, but that’s the reality we face.

Your 911 call becomes a crucial part of your documentation, providing evidence of your intent to protect yourself and your passengers.

How can you keep your children calm during this situation?

Reassure your children that you’re in control and that everything will be okay.

While some sources suggest distracting them with a game, in a situation like this, I believe focusing on their safety is more important.

Instead, instruct your children to lie down in the car and shield their eyes.

Even though your adrenaline is pumping, it’s crucial to stay calm. Your children are looking to you for guidance, so keeping a level head will help them feel more secure in this tense situation.

What if the protesters start becoming aggressive?

If aggression escalates, and you fear a violent attack is imminent, stay inside the car with the doors locked. Do not engage or provoke anyone.

If the situation deteriorates further—such as people throwing objects at your car, striking it, or attempting to overturn it—and you genuinely believe that you and your family are in imminent danger of injury, it may be necessary to use force to protect yourselves.

In such cases, you can legally use your car to clear a path. Begin moving slowly, and if you need to push people out of the way or drive over objects, do so with caution.

Be aware that you will be held accountable for your actions, so it's crucial to document and prove that you were in immediate danger.

Once you are out of the immediate danger, drive to a safe location away from the protestors. If you are not already on the phone with 911, call them again to inform them of your location and follow their instructions for further safety.

Is it a good idea to record the situation with your phone?

Yes, if it’s safe to do so, recording the situation can provide valuable evidence.

Many cars come equipped with dash cams, which can be especially useful in these scenarios.

If you don’t have a dash cam and have a companion with you, ask them to record the situation with a phone. It’s crucial to remain discreet while recording to avoid escalating tensions with the protestors.

If you’re alone, start the recorder, capture what you can, and then focus on finding a safe way out. Your primary goal is to stay safe while documenting the situation as best as possible.

What should you do if you can't find an alternate route and the road remains blocked?

If you’re stuck and unable to turn around, you should stay in your car with the doors locked and the engine running, but avoid aggressive actions like honking or revving the engine.

Your priority is to wait for authorities to arrive and handle the situation. It’s important to understand that organizers know that as long as they do not directly threaten you or your safety, your legal options are limited to waiting for the crowd to disperse.

This approach helps prevent further escalation and reduces the risk of legal repercussions for actions taken in the heat of the moment.

However, always prioritize your safety. If the situation becomes more dangerous or the crowd becomes increasingly aggressive, you may need to make a decision to protect yourself and your passengers.

How can you prepare for scenarios like this in the future?

Familiarize yourself with alternate routes home and keep your phone charged in case you need to call for help.

It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your car, such as water, snacks, and a first aid kit.

One of the best things I developed as a habit before leaving work was to check my local news app for headlines, weather updates, and traffic conditions. This allowed me to avoid long drive times and steer clear of areas with accidents or potential disruptions.

This will also let you know if there is an area of unrest you need to avoid.

Additionally, consider having discussions with your children ahead of time about what you’ll do if you encounter unrest while out in your car.

What should you do once the situation has de-escalated?

Once it’s safe to do so, carefully drive away from the area. When you get home, take time to decompress and reassure your children that they’re safe. If needed, report the incident to the local authorities.

Case Studies

Understanding how to respond in high-stress situations like encountering a protest while driving is crucial for your safety and that of your passengers.

Below are several case studies, both where things went wrong and where they were handled correctly, offering valuable lessons in managing these tense situations.

Reginald Denny (1992 Los Angeles Riots)

Reginald Denny, a truck driver, became one of the most famous victims of the 1992 Los Angeles riots after being pulled from his vehicle and severely beaten by a group of protesters.

What Went Wrong:

• Lack of Situational Awareness: Denny drove his 18-wheeler into a riot zone, unaware of the chaos unfolding. Despite warnings from his radio dispatcher about the escalating violence, he continued his route through the South Central Los Angeles area.
• No Evasive Action: Denny did not attempt to turn around or find an alternate route to avoid the area. Once surrounded, he did not lock his doors or attempt to drive away, making him an easy target for the mob.
• Consequences: Denny was pulled from his truck, brutally beaten, and left unconscious in the street. His attackers were later arrested and tried, but the incident left Denny with lasting physical and psychological trauma.

William R. Norwood (Charlottesville, 2017)

William R. Norwood, an elderly man with an oxygen tank, became entangled in the chaotic events of the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally in 2017. He found himself in the middle of a violent clash between protesters and counter-protesters.

What Went Wrong:

• Lack of Preparedness: Norwood was driving through downtown Charlottesville when he encountered the violent rally. He did not anticipate the potential danger of being caught in the middle of a protest and did not have an alternate route planned.
• Failure to Secure Vehicle: His vehicle was not fully secured, and he was quickly surrounded by the crowd. When tensions escalated, someone in the crowd threw his oxygen tank out of the car, causing him distress and leading to further confrontation.
• Consequences: While Norwood survived the incident, the encounter highlighted how vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly or those with medical needs, can be in such volatile situations. The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of avoiding protest areas altogether, especially for those who may not be physically capable of defending themselves.

Heather Heyer Incident (Charlottesville, 2017)

While not the driver in this case, Heather Heyer was tragically killed during the same Charlottesville rally when a car driven by James Alex Fields Jr. plowed into a crowd of counter-protesters.

What Went Wrong (from the Driver’s Perspective):

• Intentional Use of Deadly Force: Unlike the other cases, Fields Jr. deliberately drove into the crowd, using his vehicle as a weapon. His actions were premeditated and resulted in the death of Heyer and injuries to many others.
• Consequences: Fields was charged with first-degree murder, among other charges, and was sentenced to life in prison. This case serves as an extreme example of how using a vehicle as a weapon can lead to severe legal consequences and loss of life.

These examples highlight the importance of situational awareness, preparedness, and the dangers of using a vehicle aggressively in protest situations. Each case underscores the need for drivers to remain calm, avoid protest areas, and take non-violent measures to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

The Minneapolis and Phoenix drivers in the two case studies that follow were not widely publicized with their names, so they remain anonymous in most reports. These types of incidents often involve private individuals whose identities are not disclosed in the media.

Minneapolis Driver (George Floyd Protests, 2020)

During the protests following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, a driver found themselves unexpectedly in the middle of a large crowd of demonstrators. The situation was tense, and the driver was concerned for their safety.

What They Did Right:

• Stayed Calm and Assessed the Situation: The driver did not panic and avoided making any sudden moves that could escalate the situation. They took a moment to assess their surroundings and potential escape routes.
• Avoided Engagement: Rather than honking the horn or yelling at the protesters, the driver remained quiet and kept the windows up, reducing the chances of provoking the crowd.
• Safe Exit Strategy: The driver slowly and carefully maneuvered the car away from the crowd, making a U-turn on a side street to avoid the protesters without endangering anyone. They chose a path of least resistance, ensuring they did not harm anyone while safely extricating themselves from the situation.
• Contacted Authorities: After getting to a safe location, the driver called the local police to report the incident and to notify them of the protest's location, helping authorities respond to the situation.

Family in Phoenix (Protests, 2020)

In Phoenix, during the widespread protests of 2020, a family was driving home when they encountered a protest blocking the main road.

What They Did Right:

• Secured the Vehicle: The driver immediately ensured that all doors were locked and that the windows were up, protecting the family from any potential threats.
• Kept the Children Calm: The parents calmly explained to their children what was happening and assured them that they were safe. They avoided creating panic, which helped the children remain calm during the incident.
• Took an Alternate Route: After realizing that they could not proceed safely through the protest, the driver quickly found an alternate route by using a side street. They did not attempt to force their way through the crowd, avoiding any possible confrontations or legal issues.
• Monitored Local News: Throughout the drive, they used a local news app to stay informed about ongoing protests and potential hotspots, helping them navigate safely around any other areas of unrest.

In both cases, the drivers avoided escalating the situation by remaining calm, avoiding confrontation, and carefully navigating away from the danger.

These examples highlight the importance of being prepared, staying composed, and prioritizing safety over aggression in potentially volatile situations.

Final Thoughts

I am not an attorney and cannot dispense legal advice. However, based on my research, I can tell you that in most states, unless the crowd is directly threatening and you believe you are in imminent danger of serious bodily injury, you very likely will be held responsible if you injure someone while trying to escape.

Always prioritize your safety and act cautiously. Your best defense is to avoid areas where protests are occurring.