When you’re driving, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone approaching on foot, you might slam on the brakes or swerve out of their way. But what if they’re coming at you with a gun?
What is the Stopping Power of a Car Door?
There’s no one answer to this question since the stopping power of a car door is greatly dependent on the size and construction of the door, as well as the type of ammunition being used. However, based on research conducted by TheGunBlog.com, a typical car door’s stopping power ranges from approximately 350 to 700 ft/lbs, which is considerably less than what’s needed to stop a handgun bullet. In fact, a standard-issue 9mm handgun can typically stop a bullet at around 2,000 ft/lbs.
Testing the Stopping Power of Doors
Although doors can theoretically stop bullets, the reality is that they rarely do. In fact, according to the National Institute of Justice, just 0.2% of shootings involve firearms that penetrate a vehicle door. That said, there are a few cases where a car door has successfully stopped a bullet.
In 1990, an attempted murder occurred in which the victim was shot multiple times but was saved by the metal door of his car. Similarly, in 1997, a gunman opened fire on a group of people in a Houston mall parking lot, only to be stopped when he hit the metal door of his car instead of one of the victims. Finally, in 2011, a man attempted to assassinate former U.S. President George W. Bush outside his home in Texas by shooting at him from a distance of about 20 feet. Unfortunately for the assailant, Bush’s car was equipped with bullet-proof glass and the bullet bounced off and missed him.
Although doors can theoretically stop bullets, the reality is that they rarely do
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to say for sure, the simple answer is no. A car door is not going to stop a bullet from penetrating your vehicle. If you are in danger of being shot, the best course of action is to take cover and wait for law enforcement or emergency responders to arrive.