Fear Factor: The Dread Behind Pickup Trucks And ‘The Passengers’ By John Marrs Book Review

Warning: Full Spoilers Ahead!

Today, we’re delving deep into a topic that has piqued the curiosity and fear of many—why do some people feel a sense of dread when encountering pickup trucks and large SUVs?  To unravel this mystery, we’re not only exploring real-life instances and perceptions but also reviewing a thrilling book, “The Passengers” by John Marrs, which offers a spine-tingling depiction of vehicles that might just justify our growing fears of such scenarios.

Headlines:

Robotaxis Cause Austin Traffic Jam

In a scenario depicting technological paradox, numerous Chevy Bolts, identifiable by sensor arrays and the prominent Cruise logo, seemed stranded, seemingly unable to decide their next move. Two found themselves in a standoff at a T-intersection, with rows of robotaxis in a seemingly indefinite wait.

A bystander, documenting this technological gridlock, remarks on the ‘dumb cars’ inability to move, voicing the critical uncertainty, “Are you telling me they have no way to get out of this?” It leaves us pondering: Is his query aimed at the perplexed robotaxis or the residents of Austin, seemingly entrapped by this experimental autonomous technology?

Read about it here.

Widow Claims Google Maps Led Husband To His Death On Collapsed Bridge

A tragedy unfolded recently as a father of two, relying on Google Maps to navigate through an unfamiliar area during a storm, met a fatal end when the app allegedly directed him to a collapsed bridge, leading to a horrific accident. The incident has spurred a lawsuit, with the widow alleging that this catastrophic mishap was not only a grave error but a completely avoidable one.

Philip Paxson, a 47-year-old Navy veteran, was endeavoring to reach his new home in Hickory, North Carolina, amidst challenging weather conditions. Unfamiliar with the locality, he trusted Google Maps to guide him. Regrettably, the app’s directions were fatally flawed, leading him to a collapsed bridge, resulting in his Jeep flipping and landing roof-first in the waters below.

Read about it here.

Jaguar Thief Shows Off New Self-Driving Feature

In the vast and intricate freeway system of Los Angeles, car chases are often intense and unpredictable. A peculiar incident highlighted the autonomous driving capabilities of a Jaguar F-Type, wherein a suspect engaged in a thrilling chase, demonstrating the car’s ability to drive itself and eventually evading capture.

This electrifying chase originated in Hemet, Riverside County, and reached speeds up to 130 mph as it infiltrated Los Angeles County. The suspect skillfully maneuvered through traffic, disobeyed stop lights, and navigated in the wrong direction, leaving spectators in awe. Given the risky maneuvers, the police decided to follow from a safer distance, with a helicopter monitoring the stolen car’s movements.

Read the full story here.

Florida Dealership Employee Killed Test Driving C6 Corvette

A grim scene unfolded in Orange County, Florida, as a 20-year-old man, reportedly an employee at a Volkswagen dealership, was fatally injured during a test drive in a 2013 Chevy Corvette. The aftermath of the crash was harrowing, leading the Florida Highway Patrol to close the road and initiate a meticulous investigation into the tragic incident.

According to local reports from WFTV, it was concluded that the Corvette was exceeding the posted speed limit when it collided with a 2023 Honda Accord attempting a left turn. Miraculously, the driver of the Accord remained uninjured, and a 22-year-old passenger in the Corvette, allegedly a fellow employee, incurred only minor injuries.

Read the full story here.

Walmart Employee’s Stolen Mercedes S-Class Rolls Into Work

In Fayetteville, North Carolina, an unusual car theft story unfolds as a Walmart employee discovered his 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 320 missing, only to learn a few hours later from his boss that his car was parked right at his workplace! It seems the thieves decided to go on a spontaneous shopping spree using the stolen vehicle.

The peculiar incident began on the morning of September 17. The victim reported his beloved S-Class stolen at around 4 am, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. In a twist of irony, when his boss called him at about 8:45 am regarding his absence from work, she was incredulous about his reason as his car was found in the parking lot.

Read the full story here.

Arkansas Trooper PITs Nissan Xterra Into Church

A pursuit in Arkansas took a dramatic and unprecedented turn as a police PIT maneuver sent a fleeing Nissan Xterra airborne, crashing unceremoniously into a church. The sight was unprecedented, showcasing the result of perhaps a miscalculation of the vehicle’s weight by the trooper, leading to this unconventional and unscheduled visit to the holy house.

The pursuit commenced over seemingly minor infractions: a cracked windshield and expired tags. Rather than stopping, the driver chose to flee, demonstrating the unsuitability of Nissan Xterras as getaway vehicles. Their compromised stability on pavements and high center of gravity evidently don’t bode well, especially when subject to police pursuit tactics.

Read the full story here.

Half-Naked Golf Cart Thief Leads California Police On Slow Chase

California, land of the extraordinary and bizarre! It makes one wonder why people visit zoos in the state when the cities themselves offer more peculiar sights. An exemplar of this eccentricity occurred when a man, shirtless and shoeless, and clutching his little dog, stole a golf cart at knifepoint. This resulted in a surreal low-speed chase with the Los Angeles police, a scene more fitting to a slapstick comedy movie than real-life events.

The unusual chase unfolded on September 24, initiated by a robbery report just after 9 pm, as per ABC 7. The motivation behind the suspect choosing to steal a golf cart remains a riddle, prompting speculations about possible mental illness, drug use, or a combination thereof.

Read the full story here.

Couple Hid Several Ultra-Luxury Vehicles At South Florida Home

In a startling revelation, authorities recently discovered a hidden stash of stolen ultra-luxury vehicles at a residence in northwest Miami-Dade, Florida. The collection included two Rolls-Royce Cullinans, a Bentley Bentayga, a Mercedes GLE, and a Tesla, all concealed within a seemingly modest neighborhood, much to the surprise of unsuspecting neighbors.

The multi-agency bust led to the arrest of 37-year-old Patrice Cherrine Hinds and 31-year-old Joseph Roger Museau, residing at the property. Captured footage by NBC Miami highlighted the extravagant vehicles, which, aside from the Tesla and Mercedes, seemed remarkably out of place amidst the humble surroundings.

Read the full story here.

Tourists In San Francisco Cling To Audi As Their Stuff Is Stolen

Crime seems to be escalating in the Bay Area, with a shocking incident catching the attention and indignation of many on social media. Disturbing footage shows two men desperately clinging to an Audi, with one losing grip and falling, as thieves brazenly drive off.

The victims, tourists in San Francisco’s famed Marina District, were adjacent to their vehicle when the assailants swiftly seized their bags containing $10,000 worth of electronics before speeding away, leaving the men hanging on to the open windows in a desperate attempt to recover their possessions.

Read the full story here.

By Elizabeth Puckett

Elizabeth Puckett is a dynamic and skilled automotive writer, known for her deep understanding of the car industry and her ability to engage readers. Elizabeth's articles often reflect her keen insight into car culture and her appreciation for automotive history.

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