As I was being tailgated by some high-school kid in his mom's Landrover this afternoon, I was struck by an idea for an invention. There are ultrasonic sensors that can be mounted on the back bumper of a car to help when backing up to prevent hitting objects. Some of the more advanced models even give the distance to the offending object. Take one of these and marry it to a small computer which is hooked up to one of those large LED message signs. Whenever someone gets too close the computer reads the distance and flashes the message "TAILGATERS SUCK" on the sign, which is mounted in the rear window.
It might not stop tailgaters, but it would at least give me the satisfaction of letting them know when they're being assholes.
Of course, my next idea was for an "upgrade" model that includes rear-firing missiles...
Posted by Aubrey at February 25, 2004 06:58 PM | TrackBackWhat a friend of mine refers to as Surface to Shithead Missiles?
Posted by: Robert at February 26, 2004 03:16 PMI like that name. They could be sold as SSM's.
Posted by: Aubrey Turner at February 26, 2004 05:55 PMWow, that is leaving behind way too much evidence. Now a large electromagnet in the trunk that you can power and direct into her engine and car computer control system, causing the engine to be inoperable.... no fuss, no muss, no huge burns marks and exhaust trail from the missile... there is an idea...
Posted by: Outlaw3 at February 26, 2004 07:32 PMGood point. An EMP gun wouldn't leave any evidence, although you'd have to be careful not to fry your own engine. It would also fry any other devices in the car behind you, like cell phones, which ties neatly into my other pet peeve.
Posted by: Aubrey Turner at February 26, 2004 09:11 PM