Malfunction of Vise Grip Steering Wheel on Chevy Pickup Occurs After Period of Functioning
In an unusual turn of events, a driver in Oklahoma City found themselves in a precarious situation when they attempted to use locking pliers as a substitute for a steering wheel in a Chevrolet pickup truck from the GMT400-era[1]. This incident, which occurred this week, was documented by the Oklahoma City Fire Department's Facebook page and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with such improvised steering methods.
The truck, high-centered on a highway divider, had Vise Grip-style pliers locked onto its steering column instead of a wheel. However, the vehicle lost control before the accident, resulting in the need for the response of first responders. Despite the potential for a more disastrous outcome, the incident did not result in any reported injuries.
This incident is not the first time such a concept has been presented online, with memes and DIY settings showcasing the use of tools like wrenches or clamps as jokes or security devices—not as practical replacement steering wheels[2][3][4]. However, the Oklahoma City event stands out as a real, dangerous attempt to steer a vehicle using locking pliers.
Journalist Andrew Collins is inviting readers to share their own stories of similar shenanigans at a specific website. It is important to remember that such actions can have serious consequences and should be avoided at all costs. While having a pair of locking pliers in all cars could be useful in case of a fallen steering wheel or shift knob, they should never be used as a substitute for a proper steering device.
[1] Source: Oklahoma City Fire Department's Facebook page [2] Source: DIY Car Blog [3] Source: Car Memes Reddit [4] Source: Jalopnik
*Note: This article does not provide details about the clean-up of the accident site or the response of first responders to the incident.
- The incident in Oklahoma City underscores the importance of car-maintenance and the necessity to use appropriate parts for routine operations, such as steering wheels, in the automotive industry.
- Adequate finance is crucial for procuring necessary tools and routine vehicle maintenance, as demonstrated by the potential consequences of utilizing locking pliers as a steering wheel substitute, impacting both the industrial sector and lifestyle considerations.
- The implementation of locking pliers for car-maintenance purposes could lead to increased incidents within the transportation industry, potentially jeopardizing safety regulations, and unintentionally spawning dangerous examples through DIY settings and online forums.
