Which area is considered a target for deadly force when struck?

The throat is considered a target for deadly force when struck because it is a vital area of the body that houses important structures such as the windpipe (trachea) and major blood vessels. An impact to the throat can cause severe injury or even death due to airway obstruction or damage to critical arteries, leading to rapid blood loss. The neck region is also highly sensitive and even a moderate strike can result in incapacitation due to the disruption of breathing or loss of consciousness. This understanding underscores the seriousness of targeting the throat in defensive tactics, as it can result in life-threatening situations.

In contrast, while the solar plexus, side of the head, and knees can all be targets in defensive situations, they do not carry the same immediate risk of fatal consequences as a strike to the throat. The solar plexus, for instance, may incapacitate a person temporarily but is not typically lethal. A strike to the side of the head can lead to serious injury but is more variable in its effects, and targeting the knees may disable a person's mobility but is not likely to result in death.