Spike strip
A spike strip (also known as traffic spikes, tiger teeth, alligator teeth, tire shredders, one-way traffic treadles, Cobra, Enforcer, Python, stinger, spike belt or stop stick, and formally known as a tire deflation device), is a device used to impede or stop the movement of wheeled vehicles by puncturing their tires. Generally, the strip is composed of a collection of 35 mm to 75 mm (1.5" to 3") long metal barbs, teeth, spikes pointing upward. The barbs are designed to puncture and flatten tires when a vehicle is driven over them. The barbs may be hollow or solid.
Hollow barbs are designed to allow air to escape at a steady pace in an attempt to reduce the risk of the driver crashing into oncoming traffic or the surroundings.
Solid toothed spike strips are also used to control access by vehicles. A one-way spike strip, like the Cobra, will allow a vehicle to travel over it in one direction; the spikes pivot so that they collapse harmlessly when driven over in one direction, but remain upright when driven in the other. There are also motorized versions, like the Enforcer, that control traffic in either direction, allowing passage only when the teeth are lowered by switch or sensor. These can be activated by a guard, remotely, or automatically.
A light-weight variant used by various police forces is the Stinger. In the UK it is officially known as the Hollow-Spike Tyre Deflation System (HOSTYDS). It is designed to be easy to deploy, to puncture all four tires on the pursued vehicle, and to leave no debris which could affect following vehicles. It is packaged in a concertina form, with a tough frame of nylon strips holding pointed hollow steel tubes. In use it is spread out across a surface from one side of a road to another or even thrown below approaching vehicles, spreading out during flight. An attached rope makes it easy to regather after use before pursuing vehicles also run over it. The construction of the strip points the spikes into the path of tires as they pass over, achieving the goal of stopping the vehicle safely.
Homemade spike strips, cheaply constructed using a steel pipe and household nails, were banned in New South Wales in 2003 after being used against a police vehicle. John Watkins, a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, stated they would be added to the New South Wales prohibited weapons list.[1]
References
- ↑ Ban on home-made road spikes after car chase, The Sydney Morning Herald, December 10, 2003
