‘Get off the X’ Retired Secret Service agent shows drivers how to escape in an emergency
Scott Bryson worked to protect five U.S. presidents during his 25-year career in the Secret Service. After retiring, he often posts tips, tricks, and insights on TikTok under his handle @scottbrysonbts. Just yesterday, as promised, he posted a car safety tip for drivers caught in a sticky situation, specifically at a traffic light.
“A carjacking, road rage, fill in the blank…” Bryson begins. “Shots fired…something completely unrelated to you, maybe someone’s mad at you…whichever.” In any case, there’s something you can always do to ensure a quick escape.
But the lesson starts with a simple mistake many motorists make at traffic lights.
The thing is, Bryson explains, lots of drivers think it’s best to creep up as close as possible to the car in front of them
“If I need to get out of here, I can’t do that because I’m too close.”
Instead, drivers should be able to see the entire vehicle stopped in front of them, including where its tires touch the ground
“I’m going to check my mirrors real quick, and I’m going to step on the gas and I’m going to go around them,” he says. “I’m going to get off the X.”
Now, you don’t want to leave two or three car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. “That’ll piss everybody off.” Just leave enough space to quickly “get off the X.”
Bryson confirms that lots of law-abiding drivers actually freeze up when something bad happens
“You don’t know how to act…so you just sit there in jeopardy, and that’s not good,” he explains.
After all, road rage happens often enough that 92% of drivers report witnessing it at least once in a 12-month period, according to a study published by Consumer Affairs.
The comments supported the retired Secret Service agent’s advice.
“I was taught this 40 years ago in Chicago! Also ladies keep your purses on the floor! Out of sight!” one affirmed.
“This is exactly why I get irritated when people are bumper to bumper like if something happens now we’re all stuck,” another asserted.
“My drivers Ed teacher taught me this years ago,” one shared.
“My Dad is retired LE [law enforcement], taught me to always leave a way out! I’ve done the same for my 3 daughters,” yet another confirmed.
Drivers should stay alert, avoid distractions, and look for ways to “get off the X” at traffic lights.
MotorBiscuit reached out to @scottbrysonbts via TikTok direct message for comment.
