Spike strip
Encyclopedia
A spike strip is a device used to impede or stop the movement of wheeled vehicles by puncturing their tire
s. Generally, the strip is composed of a collection of 35 to 75 mm (1.5 to 3 inches) long metal barb
s, teeth or 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 become embedded in the tires and 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. It was co-invented by Donald Kilgrow, a retired Utah Highway Patrol trooper, along with a design engineer.
According to a national law enforcement memorial organization in the UK, records show that since 1973 as many as 20 or more police officers in the United States have been killed on duty while manually deploying old-fashioned road spikes or similar manual tire-deflation devices. Remotely deployable spike strips have been invented to reduce the danger to police officers deploying them. Spike strips are also built into some parking barriers to control traffic flow.
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 New South Wales Legislative Assembly, stated they would be added to the New South Wales prohibited weapons list.
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
s. Generally, the strip is composed of a collection of 35 to 75 mm (1.5 to 3 inches) long metal barb
Barb
Barb may refer to:* A backward-facing point on a fish hook or similar implement, rendering extraction from the victim's flesh more difficult* Wind barbs for each station on a map of reported weather conditions...
s, teeth or 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 become embedded in the tires and 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. It was co-invented by Donald Kilgrow, a retired Utah Highway Patrol trooper, along with a design engineer.
According to a national law enforcement memorial organization in the UK, records show that since 1973 as many as 20 or more police officers in the United States have been killed on duty while manually deploying old-fashioned road spikes or similar manual tire-deflation devices. Remotely deployable spike strips have been invented to reduce the danger to police officers deploying them. Spike strips are also built into some parking barriers to control traffic flow.
Homemade spike strips, cheaply constructed using a steel pipe and household nails, were banned in New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
in 2003 after being used against a police vehicle. John Watkins
John Watkins (Australian politician)
John Arthur Watkins is a former Deputy Premier of New South Wales, serving between 2005 until his resignation from Parliament in 2008...
, a member of New South Wales Legislative Assembly, stated they would be added to the New South Wales prohibited weapons list.