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Letter Re: Information on Blinding Flashlights for Self Defense?
Greetings
Do you have any information on a laser flashlight for self defence, designed
to temporarily blind attackers? Thanks, - Dave S.
JWR Replies: When lasers blind, they do
so permanently, by destruction of the human retina. The "dazzling" effect
is quite different than blinding. Never use a "non-eye safe" (blinding)
laser against an attacker, or you will very likely be sued for every asset
that you
have, as well as a
portion of your earnings for the rest of your life.
There are indeed flashlights with a temporary "dazzling" effect designed
for self defense, but I have not tested them. At least one publicized prototype
uses
pulsating
LEDs,
designed to induce dizziness and/or vertigo. I've never been one to trust
my
life
and
safety
to high tech
gadgets. Keep in mind that these "dazzling" effects might work well
in controlled conditions, in a low-light situation, but they cannot be trusted
to be effective
in split-second real world confrontations, which can take place in all sorts
of
light conditions. I have my own ideas about appropriate technologies for self
defense. If
you
want
to effectively repel
a violent attacker, expose their eyes to the sight of the gaping muzzle of
a
Glock Model
21
.45 ACP.
This technique has been known to induce severe physiological effects including
involuntary
urination
and defecation. If the visual stimulus proves insufficient to deter an attacker,
then
press
the
patented
"on"
button, in double taps, as needed.
