Photo: Henry K. Lee on Twitter / autoevolution edit
A woman was driving on an Oakland, California, road keeping a safe distance from the car in front of her. Out of nowhere, the white sedan swerved to the left, stopped, and nearly blocked her from being able to go forward. Two people got out. They rushed toward the momentarily unsuspecting woman in an alleged attempt to carjack her. But she stood her ground.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said in an analysis from last year that the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, the Dodge Charger Hemi, and the Dodge Challenger were the most easily stolen cars. Unsurprisingly, some nefarious actors use these vehicles for other illegal activities.
It's worth noting that Chargers or Challengers don't have a particular security vulnerability (apart from some missing the steering lock system) like some Hyundai and Kia had, which have brought the brands a lot of headaches and have made buyers angry or remorseful.
The disadvantage of the Dodge units' popularity among thieves is that many Americans like them, including the Police. As such, they can be quite unnoticeable for many people, including those working in security. The cars also boast plenty of horsepower, which can make them a target for thieves looking for a joyride.
Photo: Dodge
Moreover, some have found ways to dispose of essential parts like the engine or the transmission without much hassle. For shops willing to engage in such illegal activities, this is a questionable yet profitable endeavor.
But the most recent example in this regard comes from Oakland, California. A woman's dashcam recorded the moment when a Dodge Charger slowed down to the right side of Skyline Boulevard and immediately pulled left as she was approaching the sedan.
At first, the driver can be seen getting out of the Charger hurriedly and rushing toward the woman's vehicle holding what seems to be a firearm. Moments later, a masked passenger follows the driver's lead.
Fortunately, this attempted armed carjacking victim kept her composure, correctly identified what was about to happen, and drove away immediately after one of the two suspects started banging on the side window. The woman said that in the heat of the moment, she thought they had fired a gun but later discovered that wasn't the case.
Photo: Henry K. Lee on Twitter
They didn't stop
She escaped that situation without damaging her property, the suspect's car, or the road markings. But the Dodge Charger kept following her even after she got out of that potentially dangerous encounter. Nevertheless, the woman figured out she should attract attention and kept honking constantly while avoiding being sideswiped. The suspects gave up after she took a left turn.
Oakland Police were notified about the incident. They found the suspects less than a day after that interaction took place. Authorities confirmed that a third person was in the white sedan. The two adults and a juvenile were identified and apprehended after similar reports came from other drivers.
Per local media, they are being charged with multiple crimes, including carjacking. That's a felony punishable by up to nine years in state prison, but the suspects risk even harsher punishments because they were recorded handling a firearm.
Police also warned drivers that carjackings are an increasingly common occurrence in Oakland, California. The phenomenon witnessed a 10% increase over the same period last year.
Photo: Henry K. Lee on Twitter
The woman said she had been driving on this road and in the adjacent area for nearly 38 years but will now find a different route for a while.
An important lesson for the rest of us
Remaining safe while behind the wheel must be a top priority for drivers everywhere. If you plan on visiting an unknown location, keep your doors locked and windows up. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, and always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid driving in dim-lit or high-crime areas.
It's also a good idea to trust your gut instinct. If something feels off, stay in your car and drive away calmly. Similarly, try and avoid confrontations. These types of interactions rarely lead to something good.
If you want to be even better prepared, ensure your vehicle is in good condition before a drive. On top of that, a working dashcam is a good addition. Also, keep your phone charged. This way, you'll have proof of what happened and can call for help.
Photo: Young Driver
At the same time, make sure you are well-rested before going for a drive. Studies have shown that impaired performance is noticed after 17 hours of not sleeping. Moreover, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that staying awake for more than 24 hours equals a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%. That's when thinking slows down, and the reaction time dramatically reduces.
Although many drivers are unwilling to admit that they can zone out at times, the phenomenon of highway hypnosis has been well documented. When you get used to a specific route, the brain switches its autopilot mode on, making you more comfortable because it functions based on predictions.
Coffee, music, A/C, and a proper driving position may help you avoid becoming inattentive.
At the end of the day, maybe everyone should consider installing a bull bar. It might come in handy even when not on a farm.
Woman escapes apparent armed carjacking or robbery attempt near Skyline & Keller in Oakland hills. 2 guys in Dodge Charger block her, and she drives around them as one opens fire. @oaklandpolicecapic.twitter.com/nAkD85w0oq
UPDATE: 2 men & juvenile arrested in spree of carjackings & attempts across Oakland, incl this carjack try near Skyline & Keller, per @oaklandpolicecapic.twitter.com/sQd94ThUTh
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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