Barricade breaching is one of the tactical driving techniques you will learn during BSR’s security driving course (SDC), but can be very risky. For this reason, we always recommend using barricade breaching as a last resort, after considering high-speed backing or driving around the obstacle.
Steps for Successful Ramming
Step 1: Detecting the threat. The first step in successful ramming is recognizing the threat, and the sooner you see the threat, the more options you have. Probably the best pre-attack indicator for a ramming situation would be someone “combat parked” slightly off to the side of your path. However, in a disaster scenario, the first indication you may have of an attack requiring a tactical ramming maneuver may be the cars blocking your path as you round a corner.
Step 2: Know where to ram. You need to know what to do and where to ram. Generally, your target is the front or rear wheel depending on the vehicle’s initial direction of travel; back wheel if it was last moving forward and front wheel if it was last moving backward. The axles are “hard points” that are less likely to deform due to the force of impact. This means you will transfer more of your energy towards moving the vehicle instead of deforming body work.
Step 3: The approach. Approach the target vehicle slowly, at about 15 MPH. This confuses the attacking vehicle (they may think you’re about to stop) and sets you up for the correct ramming speed. Start lining up far away from the vehicle, and when you get approximately one car length away, floor the accelerator.
As we said before, the most important thing to keep in mind when attempting a barricade breach is situational awareness. This is also the easiest thing to forget or let slide. So in closing, this is not a maneuver that is cheap or easy to practice by yourself. Professional training is recommended for all wanting real training experience. If you would like some good, hands-on training at a professional facility, check out our upcoming Security Driving (SDC) Classes.