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From: wtm@neoucom.UUCP (Bill Mayhew)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics,rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: car Body Electrification
Summary: May have unexpected vandalism side effects
Message-ID: <1888@neoucom.UUCP>
Date: 31 Jan 90 16:14:07 GMT
References: <71pG02L980gr01@amdahl.uts.amdahl.com> <26245@cup.portal.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Lines: 21


I won't comment on the moral or legal aspects of electrifying your
car.  But... Don't be surpised if a thief retailates for receiving
a nasty shock from your car by commiting an act of vandalism.

It isn't too difficult to pick up a pop bottle or a baseball bat
and take a few swings on the hood of that nice electrified BMW.  A
disgruntled person could also easily lob a rock or brick at the
car.

One system that seemed interesting was to install a cattle prod
under the driver's seat with a 30 second delay timer.  That way,
the intended driver could get in the car and press a hidden button
to disable the zapping.  Such a system would prevent passers-by who
inadvertantly contact the car from being zapped unnecessarily.  The
disadvantage is that the thief could still get out of the car and
vandalize in retaliation.  I also sure would hat to be in traffic
if the seat-zapper went of accidentally; could cause a wreck.


Bill