TikTok: Surge in Vehicle Thefts Impacting Kia and Hyundai Owners Nationwide
Surge in Vehicle Thefts: Impacting Kia and Hyundai Owners Nationwide
In recent years, Kia and Hyundai owners across the country have experienced a concerning increase in car thefts and damages. This alarming trend has been closely associated with the proliferation of viral videos on platforms like TikTok and other social media channels. These videos demonstrate techniques for starting cars using USB cables and exploiting security vulnerabilities present in certain models sold in the U.S. without engine immobilizers, a feature that has been standard in most vehicles since the 1990s. Engine immobilizers ensure that the engine cannot start unless the key is present, providing an effective safeguard against theft.
Unlike fleeting social media-driven fads that often fade away once authorities become aware, these car theft incidents have persisted. Despite Hyundai’s efforts to collaborate with TikTok and other platforms to remove such videos, new ones continue to emerge, leading to fresh waves of thefts. This distressing reality underscores the lasting impact of hazardous content that captures the attention of teenagers seeking viral fame.
Unraveling the Phenomenon of Performance Crime: Exploring Its Impact on Juvenile Arrests
Law enforcement agencies in several cities have identified a concerning rise in juveniles being arrested or charged with car thefts, a trend attributed to the emergence of performance crime. However, experts in criminology caution that the apparent involvement of teenagers in these theft incidents— which began during the pandemic and are not limited to Kia and Hyundai vehicles—may be somewhat inflated due to the increased likelihood of inexperienced individuals getting caught in the act.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, attorneys general from 17 states have collectively urged federal regulators to enforce a mandatory recall, arguing that the voluntary software fixes implemented by the automakers are insufficient. Additionally, various cities, including Baltimore, Milwaukee, and New York, have either initiated or announced their intentions to pursue legal action against the automakers. In parallel, the companies are facing class-action and civil lawsuits from consumers like Neal, with a recent settlement reaching approximately $200 million.
The complex dynamics surrounding performance crime demand careful examination as law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and legal entities work collectively to address this growing concern.
Impact on Road Safety: Assessing the Influence of the Trend
The National Highway and Safety Administration has attributed the trend to a minimum of 14 crashes resulting in eight fatalities. However, legal professionals engaged in lawsuits against the car manufacturers argue that the actual number is likely significantly higher. These ongoing legal proceedings seek to shed light on the true extent of the consequences associated with this concerning phenomenon.
Recent Incident in Milwaukee Highlights the Dangers: Stolen Kia Crash Involving School Bus
In a distressing event earlier this month in Milwaukee, a stolen Kia vehicle collided with a school bus, resulting in critical injuries to a 15-year-old passenger who was hanging out of the window. Following the incident, law enforcement apprehended four individuals, all 14 years old. One of them, allegedly, was operating the stolen vehicle at the time of the collision. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with car thefts and their potential consequences, particularly when involving young individuals.
