A recent spate of stabbings and attacks on ride-sharing drivers in the West Valley has raised questions about driver safety. Uber and Lyft have differing policies on how drivers can defend themselves, but enforcement is a tricky matter.
If you are a driver for either of these companies, you may carry a stun gun as part of your self-defense kit. However, you should know your state’s laws on weapons and how to legally use one.
What is a contact stun gun?
A contact stun gun is a handheld weapon that delivers a high-voltage electric shock through direct contact. Unlike a TASER, which fires electrode darts into your target from a distance, stun guns deliver electricity through a single switch that activates two probes that travel across a 2 inch air gap in what appears to be a bright blue arc.
While stun guns are marketed as less-lethal alternatives to firearms, many states, including Minnesota, have interpreted them as dangerous weapons that can cause death or serious injury in some situations.
The pulses of a stun gun are designed to target skeletal muscle. They do not affect cardiac cells because a pulse that depolarizes the heart cell membrane must have a much longer time constant than one that depolarizes skeletal muscles.
How does a contact stun gun work?
A contact stun gun is a device that sends a short burst of electricity to the target. It can be used to incapacitate a would-be attacker or to temporarily stop them in their tracks.
Several states allow people to carry them for self-defense. However, they are not always legal in some situations and they can pose a risk to people who have them.
If you have a stun gun or Taser, it is important to understand the device’s limitations and what laws you should follow if you use one on someone. If you are charged with using one of these devices on a person, it is best to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
A recent spike in crimes targeting drivers and passengers on rideshare apps has spurred a number of conversations about what measures are best to improve safety. While some companies have policies against guns, others like Lyft offer safety features for drivers and riders in the form of in-app emergency buttons that automatically send their information to law enforcement.
Can a contact stun gun be used in an uber?
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft have policies prohibiting their drivers and passengers from carrying firearms, to the extent permitted by law. Drivers can still bring other self-defense weapons, such as pepper spray, according to Uber’s safety policy.
A contact stun gun is a type of firearm that passes an electrical current between two electrodes, which can be used to temporarily incapacitate someone. The current can cause muscle contractions and disorientation, but not permanent damage.
In order to use a contact stun gun effectively, it must be deployed under ideal conditions. That means a person should not touch the device for more than 1 second, and it should be applied to the most vulnerable areas of the body, such as the upper shoulder or hip.
Stun guns are a form of self-defense that many weapons experts and lawyers believe is legal to possess in New York. Despite that, Uber and other rideshare and delivery companies are embroiled in legal disputes over whether their drivers are employees or independent contractors, which could make it difficult for them to enforce their weapons policy.
Can a contact stun gun be used in a limo?
Using a stun gun in an uber is not recommended. The company has a strict policy on guns, and they will deactivate your account if you have one in your vehicle.
A stun gun uses an electric current to inflict a short-term, but severe, incapacitation on a target’s body. The electricity is transmitted between two electrodes that are pressed against the suspect’s solar plexus for 3 to 5 seconds, according to the manufacturer.
The NYPD has a rule that requires officers to give a verbal warning before using a stun gun. This is an important step, as a law enforcement officer could be held liable for any injuries or property damage resulting from their use of a stun gun.
In addition, a person’s right to carry a firearm in their vehicle is protected by the Constitution. If you are arrested for carrying a weapon in an uber, you should consult an experienced weapons charge defense attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.