Police test hi-tech zapper that could end car chases

The Guardian [UK] ^ | July 12, 2004 | Ian Sample, science correspondent

[Tax Government]

This thing would threaten pacemakers, and have potential health side effects for normal people. It is truly a bad idea.

[Mark]

So, is vaporizing totally out of the equation?

[taxcontrol]

Ohhh, just think of the fun I could have with that!

[endthematrix]

I read about this two years ago. This is the high-tech answer to car chases. The low tech is launching a grappling hook to catch the car...until they caught a 7,000lb supercharged SUV!

[gdc314]

I'm actually quite concerned that thugs could get some of these on the streets and use them to victimize people at will. Just cause their car to fail and then have their way with the occupants...

[endthematrix]

Auto-ArrestorTM

"Jaycor has extended the pulse-power testing technology developed under Department of Defense programs for electromagnetic pulse and high-power microwave simulation to civilian applications. Jaycor's technology demonstration system for law enforcement, anti-terrorist operations, and military operations other than war (OOTW) shows great promise for safely stopping fleeing vehicles. The system potentially can prevent tragic endings to numerous high-speed chases that occur every year."

Road Sentry, Patriot

"The Road Patriot System has been proven in dozens of simulated chase terminations. This system uses a reaction engine powered projectile to position a high energy pulse generator under the suspect vehicle, where the electromagnetic discharges can disable the engine control systems."

[thoughtomator]

Yes that's the first thing I thought of... what happens if this gets into the hands of criminals? It could revive piracy - on the roads of the USA.

[capt. norm]

Someone will sell a radio shielding kit to defeat this.

They might not have to do that. I hear the new transmitter is being built by the Acme Company and Wile E. Coyote will be designing it to catch roadrunners.

You gotta hand it to Acme. Even though their stuff never works, they have the world's fastest mail-order delivery system.

[Elsie]

The US Government will make it a requirement that all vehicles, built for sale in the USoA, will be equiped with a remote powerdown mode.

If OnStar can NOW unlock your car doors and do an engine diagnostic (Hey! We've ALL heard the 'conversation between...' ads) it sure isn't much of a stretch to set the engine computer software to NoThrottleMode.

[solitas]

I prefer a 20 mm cannon.

i.e. an Extremely Massive Projectile?

[NTegraT]

"I'm actually quite concerned that thugs could get some of these on the streets and use them to victimize people at will."

That's the first thing I thought of too. Puts a whole new spin on the term "Highway Robbery." No one will be safe on the roads again.

[Puddleglum]

An EMP gun, yeehaw!

Yee-haww indeed! Also useful for shutting down the cars of people sharing their bass-thumping stereos with others.

[Lazamataz]

Great idea in theory. Horrible idea in practice.

A much better solution is to 'dart' the car with a GPS transmitter and follow the car from a safe distance and at a safe speed.

[Puddleglum]

Yes that's the first thing I thought of... what happens if this gets into the hands of criminals? It could revive piracy - on the roads of the USA.

When EMP guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have EMP guns...

[JimRed]

Probably by running into a tree and killing the 14 year old occupants who stole it...

Translation: cleaning up the gene pool.

[Looking4Truth]

no, my bad

[StockAyatollah]

I prefer a 20 mm cannon.

Since judges have to put up with all of the mindless low-lives in traffic too, I bet they will accept a temporary insanity plea and let you off with a $25 fine.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

Since judges have to put up with all of the mindless low-lives in traffic too, I bet they will accept a temporary insanity plea and let you off with a $25 fine.

Commence firing!