There is no part of the world untouched by terrorism. While action films would have us believe the most common weapons involve dirty bombs and machine guns, the reality may be much more disturbing. In truth, those wishing to do harm to others can find the means parked right on the roadside.

A vehicular accident may not seem like a terror-inducing incident, but real anxiety comes from believing any car on the road can become a threat. Many people fail to realize that even an innocuous Ford Fiesta can be transformed into a tool for wanton destruction. With access to even larger vehicles such as passenger trucks and construction equipment, aggressors can render standard security ineffective thanks to their sheer mass alone!

Ubiquitous Unease

Busses, moving trucks and tractor-trailers all pose significant problems for security personnel, mainly because they are found everywhere. These slower-moving conveyances are so common on the road, many divers view them as more of an annoyance than a possible danger. Even so, subversives have been turning to these wheeled weapons more and more frequently.

As recently as June 6, 2021, an aggressor assaulted several Pakistani pedestrians using a pickup truck in London, Ontario, Canada. A similar incident occurred in Germany, 2019, when a stolen tractor trailer was purposefully driven into traffic. In both cases, a common vehicle was used to create the most biological damage possible using a weapon that most victims would ignore until it is too late.

Wrath Within Reach

Stealing a lorry may seem brazen, but such attacks may become more common because they are so easy to execute. Desiring to carry out a “Nice-Style” attack (referencing the 1996 incident in France that killed 86 people), a Maryland man was caught after stealing a moving truck. While waiting for his target area to become more populated, he was thankfully apprehended by local police before he was able to put his plan into action.

Officers and pedestrians in Edmonton, Canada, were not as lucky. After stabbing a public servant, the aggressor stole a U-Haul truck and attempted to run down everyone in the vicinity. Though none were killed in the attack, the incident stresses just how dangerous such vehicular juggernauts can become.

Security Solutions

The prevalent nature of large conveyances makes it essential to prepare for their use in vehicular attacks. Be it temporary solutions such as portable barriers or permanent answers such as high-impact bollards, security professionals need to ensure their systems are prepared for such incidents.

Stork Industries understands the importance of keeping pedestrians and equipment safe. Our Mark IV K-12-rated impact barriers are capable of stopping a 7.5 ton truck traveling at 50 mph dead in its tracks. More than capable of handling well-laden tractor trailers, these units can be permanently installed to protect vehicular entrance and egress at vital checkpoints. We also offer temporary solutions in the form of the Mark VII Quick-Install portable barriers as well as movable bollards for pedestrian walkways.

Terrorism flourishes when faced with the unprepared. If you need help planning your next construction project or are looking to improve current security setups, contact us today. It may be difficult to expect the unexpected, but with Stork Industries, you’ll be prepared for it nonetheless!