Traffic stop ends with felony charges in Tualatin | Tualatin - – OregonLive.com The photo shows the energy absorbing mechanism worked, a pretty white Prius. Our keyfob is neat but the car can be stolen. Bob Wilson
Wow. I guess I was expecting to see more damage hitting a concrete barrier and all. The article made it sound like he was going 80 when he hit.... how can that be? Fun to read the comments... I guess people don't realize a prius CAN go 80! We have secret cool!
I'm wondering how this car got "stolen." There have been very few reports of any Prius being stolen... I can think of only one report in 2 years that involved a breakin/burglary, and subsequent police chase, IIRC. Was the car left running in the Ready mode at a convenience store? Was the SKS fob taken in a robbery? A domestic dispute, and a irate spouse/parent? I'm leaning towards the latter as being most likely.
There was no way he was doing 80mph when he hit that concrete barrier. I think there is some poor writing in that article. I think the author meant to say that during his run, he hit speeds up to 80mph, not when he was entering that onramp.
The news report is pretty much a repeat of the Oregon State Police report. It's the 5th article from the top. "Driver to Face Charges Following Attempt to Elude, Crash on Interstate 5 in Tualatin / Tigard Area (Photos):" Oregon State Police news There are three pictures attached. It appears that the car nosed into the road-side Jersey barrier at a very slight angle on the passenger side. No marks or gouging on the barrier. It looks like it ground to a stop. But more like 8 or 18 MPH at "impact," actually more like "contact." 80 vs 8/18 MPH... a very lucky driver. As to damage, it looks like it is restricted to the bumper cover which looks more to be dislodged than crumpled.
cited for "unauthorized use of a vehicle" implies he was known to the owner and probably grabbed the fob out of a purse or coat pocket
Here's the amount of damage, and what the Gen III looks like doing about 40mph / 64kph getting smashed: From those shots you can guage whether or not the OP's article was actually 80mph at impact. .
The article doesn't reveal any information as to "how" it was stolen. Perhaps the fob was taken then The Prius? In anycase, it doesn't sound like a typical "professional robbery", someone with intent to make a profit or keep the automobile or even just get away with the crime, wouldn't steal it and then drive around with the lights off at night. Which is good for me, living in the area I would hate to think there was a ring of thieves or a premium for Stolen Prius. This just sounds like an isolated incident inwhich we do not know all the details.
Thanks although the fatal Prius crash provided an unexpected detail ... diabedes. The "suspended" sounds like someone with an alcohol problem. Bob Wilson
would've been interesting to see the side impact tests with the moonroof/solar panel. Looking at the way the roof crumpled and dispersed the energy, I think there's gonna be a lotta glass from the moonroof.
