The greatest survival tool is the mass between your ears.
Unfortunately at least in my experience you either have common sense, a sense of self preservation/survival or you don't.

I've worn a seat belt since long before they were mandatory and have never been in a accident that the seat belt played any safety role in.
Still I know I've been lucky and sooner or later I know I'll be glad I have one on.

Same with PFD/Bear Spray. It's a tool that you hope you don't need but having it available if the worst happens is just common sense IMHO.
Like any "tool", the operator is responsible for it's proper use.
 
I think the confusion over Bear Spray is because some officers are not educated on the difference between Bear Spray formulated for animals and Mace which is for humans.
All they see is a spray can and they link them together.
Being polite/civil when you know your right with a officer is the way to go here.
Often asking to speak to a superior can rectify the situation.
 
In MI they have what they call Open Carry.
That means that anyone who can legally own a gun, can carry it openly without having a CCW (concealed carry) license.
The key is the weapon must be in plain sight.
There is even a group that educates it's members and the law enforcement community about it.
Many police officers, especially the rookies don't know it's legal because they were never taught that part of the law in their training.

Same with Bear Spray. It is legal in Canada but must be labeled strictly for protection from animals.
All the major makers of Bear Spray know this and label their products accordingly.