myself in the replies from those in the know.

An impact weapon deployed in the protest/riot situation will only work if you are able to exit the vehicle swiftly & safely. Once you're surrounded/trapped, only a firearm or the mass/weight/power of the vehicle itself will save you.

As for impact weapon, only swift, ardent, & earnest deployment will prove effective. Warning taps, prods & pokes will just get you maimed/killed with your own stick.

So you have to use it like you really mean it until the attacker is rendered helpless. It's easy to imagine in the scenario of being attacked and forced to defend yourself only to net an aggravated assault/attempted murder charge.

Knives ? Everybody I'm acquainted with who has had to use them has been arrested and charged with egregious charges piled-on until a lesser plea to a single charge seems the only alternative. What we think of as just an essential part of our wardrobe is looked on as murderously evil by the powers even in self defense friendly jurisdictins.

Again, I'm no expert or authority and patiently await the real advice.

your jurisdiction? Is it less than lethal in your jurisdiction? A straight stick is a heck of a lot better than any collapsible baton. (Same legal and practicle questions apply, are they legal, lethal or less than lethal force, do you have training or certification in this weapon's use)
best advice, Stay in your vehicle, it's the best weapon you have.
Not the answer you were looking for. Maybe you have training certifications with these, I hope so, for your sake.
I have trained with Greg Ellifritz a couple different times. He's intelligent and experienced as both a LEO and an armed citizen... I try and pay attention to what he has to say...

https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/why-i-dont-carry-an-expandable-baton

His weekend knowledge dump is worth subscribing to in an of itself.

anther is the Tactical Professor

https://thetacticalprofessor.net/2022/11/07/aar-reactionary-zones/

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

As I get older I tend to need tools to help me do things like change a flat tire. Jump start a car, etc.
Tools I carry:
Jump start battery
You are not supposed to jump start these new cars, car to car.
Small air compressor and tire gauge
These are cheap, small and may get you to a safer spot to change a flat.
GI type folding shovel.
Mostly used in the winter.
Long breaker bar and socket that fits your car.
The tire shops use impact wrenches and the small tools in todays cars are no match.
Paint roller extension handle
Have you ever needed to move something from under your car or push something you didn't want to touch? I like the bamboo with the metal thread tips. You can cut this to a length that is best for you.

AS WITH ALL TOOLS THEY HAVE MANY OTHER USES.

If my tactics sucked so badly that it comes down to last ditch, you might get a lick in on me with your baton, but I am going to light you up with my road flares.

I think Clint Smith said, 'Drive' or 'Shoot' you can't do both.

I had Greg’s impact weapon class a couple months ago. He did mention he doesn’t carry an ASP but usually a sap. He did think that S&W baton was a decent value. I’m not sure on the legality of saps outside of Ohio and Texas though.
I have a four cell Maglite mounted to the front seat of my truck, legal everywhere.

I have one similar to these: https://www.autozone.com/power-tools/flashlight/p/greatlite-16-25-in-red-tire-knocker-a...

My reasoning is that if I need a light to examine a problem outside the vehicle I simultaneously have a tool in my hand that could be used to wack something like a tire, rabid dog/racoon/etc, or ???

I carry an e-tool, hatchet, and other things in the truck if it fails to function move forward at an inopportune time. I have personally experienced the inability to change a tire, not because the lug nuts couldn't be removed but because the wheel was effectively "rust" welded to the hub. One has to be able to REALLY wack the tire to get it off and I had hit it hard enough to rock the truck on the jack without affecting the bond. For that reason I like the tire pump idea. Carry jumper cables, never thought about a negative in that regard. Learn something every day!

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Sincerely,

Hobie

Can't recommend anything for you in a baton. I personally keep a box cutter & a short piece of handle about 30" in length in easy reach of my seated position. The handle is for poking not swinging. I don't plan to exit the vehicle unless I'm shooting.