The Car: A Story of Joyrides, Police Chases, Trade Tariffs, and Self-Driving Woes
The journey of the automobile has been a long one, filled with triumphs and tribulations. From the early days of motorized carriages to the futuristic world of self-driving vehicles, the car continues to evolve and adapt to our ever-changing lives. Recent events have highlighted the many faces of the automobile – tales of stolen joyrides, high-speed police chases, trade tariffs on electric cars, and neighbors unhappy with self-driving cars parked in their neighborhoods.
Kids Take a 200-Mile Joyride in Stolen Car
A recent incident involving a 10-year-old Florida boy and his 11-year-old sister driving their mom’s car 200 miles from home is a stark reminder that even today, the car holds an irresistible allure for many young people. Deputies from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office reportedly pulled over the siblings around 3:50 AM after the white sedan was reported stolen out of North Port. The surprise on the faces of the officers when both the brother and sister stepped out of the vehicle must have been one for the ages – especially since the 10-year-old was found at the driver’s seat.
Police Chase Suspect Gets Stuck Upside Down
In another thrilling episode involving cars, a man led a high-speed chase through the streets of Los Angeles only to be caught after getting stuck upside down while trying to exit the vehicle through the driver’s window. Reaching speeds exceeding 80 mph while weaving in and out of traffic, it’s fortunate no one was hurt as the reckless suspect attempted to evade the authorities. With the help of a civilian pickup truck blocking his path, and despite his desperate attempt at a Houdini-esque escape, he could weave no more.
Trade Tariffs Stymie Electric Car Progress
While the car will forever be synonymous with these exciting encounters, it is also at the center of serious debates and discussions. One such topic involves the Brexit trade deal and the seemingly unfair tariffs placed on electric cars exported between January 2021. European Commissioner Thierry Breton has recently said that the Brexit treaty should not be reopened just to satisfy demands from some sectors of the UK and EU motor industry regarding looming tariffs on electric cars. While this may cause concerns for both economic growth and environmental goals, Breton explained that in compliance with competition laws, the commission and EU leaders must view the entire automotive ecosystem without favoring one single aspect.
Neighbors Unhappy With Self-Driving Car Parking Habits
As technology advances, so too does the world of cars. Waymo, an autonomous ride-share company, has expanded its self-driving vehicles into Metro Phoenix and other cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, all progress comes with potential pitfalls. In North Scottsdale, Arizona residents are frustrated with Waymo’s parking habits.
WithWaymo-specific vehicles found throughout the Indian Bend Ranchos neighborhood, parked in ways that block mailboxes or trash cans, or even sitting idle in the middle of a street while waiting for service orders, tensions have been running high. Resident Terry Pickering calls this situation “an accident waiting to happen,” and many others echo his sentiments.
The Car: A Tale Full of Twists and Turns
From exhilarating joyrides and daring police chases to sparking political and technological debates, the story of the car is ever-evolving as the automobile continues to adapt to our changing lives and needs. Time will tell what new chapters will unfold, but one thing is for certain – like the open road, the journey of the car is never-ending.
