What to do when CCW at an accident scene?

M

MLeake

New member
I was driving home on the interstate today, when I saw a tidal wave of water up beyond the line of cars in front of me. Since I don't live by the beach, the only logical explanation was that one or more vehicles must have wrecked into some water.

I pulled to the left shoulder when I saw the vehicles. They were in the median, both in a scummy pond in the depression at midpoint. The SUV had obviously rolled over.

Other samaritans had also pulled over. I immediately called 911, and started climbing out of my truck, when I realized I had my C3 in an IWB under a loose shirt.

Since I wasn't sure if I'd have to help extract people from partially submerged vehicles, and since I knew the cops were coming, I thought it best to pull out the holster and pistol and stick them under my front seat.

Running over to the scene, I quickly learned that all occupants were out of the vehicles, and that there were no apparent injuries. This was one of the more pleasant accident scenes I've happened across, in that regard.

Question is: Would other members have removed their weapon, given this scenario?
 
I think I would have left it in place unless I felt there was a chance of it's falling out of the holster and getting lost. It can be cleaned up later and even if it rusts a little that's no big thing.
 
I wasn't concerned about damaging the Sig. I was worried about my overshirt shifting if I had to assist victims, which could have revealed the pistol. I didn't want to scare crash victims or police officers.
 
Not a bad move, no need to upset people that are most likely rattled to begin with. Some people barely realize that ccw carriers are often the good guys that are willing to help when others stand by. Concealed means concealed.
 
I doubt I would have even thought to remove it so I would probably have just left it in place. It can always be cleaned up and dried out later. :)
 
I wouldve kept it...there was a story recently about a couple of guys pulling over at a car wreck...they got out to help the guys, the people in the car hopped out, ran to the car of the two that had just pulled over and jumped in and drove off, then crashed it later that day...
 
I would have left it right in its holster. The few seconds it takes to remove and hide it could be bad for the accident victim. As long as you are properly licensed I wouldn't worry about it.

Like PBP said, it can be dried off later.
 
I too would not have modified my CCW status. Just recently I read an account of someone assisting at an accident scene who was approached by another early lookie-loo who suggested in all seriousness relieving the victim of his wallet.

Accident scenes can be viewed as opportunity rich environments for all sorts of savory types.

And, if you should accidentally expose your weapon... well, I would think everyone present should have bigger things to worry about. If not, that's their problem.

As long as you are completely legal, don't worry about it.

Joe
 
If you are legal, . . . you are legal.

To take it off, . . . it may as well be in the vise in your basement.

May God bless,
Dwight
 
I was worried about my overshirt shifting if I had to assist victims, which could have revealed the pistol. I didn't want to scare crash victims or police officers.
Click to expand...
My guess is that in the situation you describe everyone would very likely assume you were an off-duty cop if you accidently flashed them.
 
"I stand by my words! There all sorts of criminals at accident scenes. Delicious, buttery, criminals."

Lol, that is hilarious. Funniest thing i've read in weeks:p
 
Just get one of the stainless slide Sigs and don't worry about rust. There are plenty of other things I would remove before jumping in a lake to save someone like my cell phone and my PDA.
 
You were more than likely just in the way.

You said other people had stopped and the occupants of the vehicles involved were already out of danger. They didn't need you unless you are a trained physician or EMT and probably not even then.

I generally have a problem with CCW. My experience has been that folks who are carrying concealed, often interject themselves into situations where they are not only unnecessary but also bothersome. In fact, I wonder why we, as gun owners, don't insist on open carry. If we have the RKBA why do we need to hide them?

Personally I do not have a CCW permit. I do, however, often strap my 1911A1 on my belt and go about my business. Granted, I don't go into government or post offices, airports, etc. openly carrying. I do, however, routinely go to the Grocery, Wal Mart, the gas station, and etc. openly bearing my pistol. Nobody questions me, but, I do not interject myself into situations where neither me, my family, nor my property are at risk. The bad guys can murder, rape, and rob. That is the victims problem and they either need to call the cops or take care of it themselves.

Tough? No, it is called minding your own business.
 
I live in CA and don't even think about carrying, but I'm confused about some of the comments suggesting it be left in the waist band knowing it may possibly be seen by others. It is my understanding that concealed means just that and allowing others to see your concealed weapon is a major legal transgression.

Am I wrong?... OK! OK! Am I wrong again?:)
 
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