Most of us rush through parking lots on autopilot — juggling work, money worries, errands, family… and just trying to get home.
But sometimes, the smallest details around your car can matter more than you think.
In recent years, people in different countries have shared warnings about a simple distraction trick aimed at drivers. It’s not something most people will ever encounter, but understanding how it works can help you stay calmer and more prepared if you ever do see it.
The setup looks innocent: an empty plastic bottle placed near a car’s wheel, often on the front passenger side where the driver is least likely to notice it before getting in.
Once the driver starts the car and begins to pull away, the bottle gets crushed or dragged, making a loud crackling or popping noise. Surprised, many people instinctively stop, step out, and walk around the car to see what’s wrong — sometimes leaving the engine running, doors unlocked, and belongings visible inside.
This kind of tactic has been reported first in some parts of South Africa and later in a few areas of the United States. It’s a low-tech method that can be used to:
– Mark a vehicle as a potential target
– Test whether the driver is distracted or alone
– Create a moment where someone can approach the car more easily
Again, cases like this are not widespread, but they highlight how simple distractions can be used to take advantage of normal human reactions.
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