Past experience has proven to me that it's always the element of surprise that will get 'ya. Having a gun doesn't help unless you're prepared, and trained.
Originally Posted by ElisabethWhispers
This, 100%. Being aware has saved my skin at least 2 times.
Cooper's 4 Stages of Awareness
And if you do carry and leave your gun in the car, please don't be the idiot who sticks it in the center console or glovebox. Have a small car safe, they're inexpensive insurance when compared to losing a gun that could later kill someone.
I'm ambivalent towards open carry, I can see the pro's & con's. At the end of the day it's what the provider is comfortable with that matters.