A Colorado woman's attempt to steal a truck was thwarted when she was left stranded behind the wheel of the stick shift vehicle. The incident highlights the importance of knowing how to operate a manual transmission.
In a peculiar turn of events, a woman in Boulder, Colorado, was caught after her inability to drive a stick shift vehicle led her to crash into a fire hydrant. The incident has sparked conversations about the importance of manual transmissions as a potential deterrent against car theft.
26-year-old Amber Davis was identified as the suspect after she stumbled behind the wheel of a stolen truck. Police responded to reports of the crash on Friday, May 3 at 4:30 p.m. and quickly determined that Davis was involved.
Authorities revealed that Davis had been released from jail just the day before on charges of stealing a car. As she was walking, she spotted the truck with its keys inside and decided to take it for a joyride.
However, Davis's plan was quickly foiled by her lack of knowledge about driving a manual transmission. She managed to drive off but soon crashed into a fire hydrant due to her inability to properly operate the vehicle.
"Thankfully, no one was injured, and the truck was quickly returned to its rightful owner," the Boulder Police Department stated in a press release.
The department emphasized that "stick shift FTW [for the win]," adding that while it is not a standard recommendation for car theft prevention, it can prove to be an effective deterrent in certain situations like this.
Davis was subsequently charged with felony second degree motor vehicle theft, enhanced circumstance, careless driving, driving without a valid license, and duty upon striking an unattended vehicle or other property.
The incident has sparked discussions about the potential benefits of manual transmissions as a security measure against car theft. While automatic transmissions are more common and easier to operate, manual transmissions require drivers to have specific skills and knowledge, which can act as a barrier against theft.
Despite the potential advantages, it is important to note that manual transmissions also come with their own challenges, including the need for specialized training and the possibility of stalling the vehicle. Drivers considering manual transmissions should weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
The Boulder Police Department's lighthearted approach to the incident highlights the importance of taking a proactive stance against car theft. While manual transmissions may not be the perfect solution for everyone, they can certainly provide an additional layer of security for vehicles.
