There are still some arguments for driving standard in 2016: better fuel economy, cheaper to maintain, a closer connection to the operation of your car.
Theft prevention, however, isn’t usually on the list, but maybe it should be after a St. Louis, Mo., man said an attempted carjacking was foiled after the would-be thief realized the car he was trying to steal had a manual transmission.
Last Thursday, Dustin French was heading back to his house in the Benton Park neighbourhood in south St. Louis around 11:00 p.m. when he says a man tried to steal his car – at gunpoint.
“A car came up right behind sort of half parallel parked behind me,” French told KMOV News in St. Louis. “A passenger got out with a firearm, told me to get out of my car and empty my pockets.”
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.French says he remained calm as the man demanded he hand over his keys and other belongings.
“All I got out luckily were my keys and I said what do I do now. I was asking for orders,” French said. “‘He said get up and walk away. Face away and keep walking.”
Yet when he turned back, French said his car was still there. St. Louis police say they believe the thief didn’t steal the vehicle because it was a standard, and the man didn’t know how to drive stick.
Police say the would-be carjacker was driving a silver Honda Accord (presumably with an automatic transmission). They’re hoping anyone who may have seen the vehicle or the aborted carjacking will come forward with more information.
“I’m glad I didn’t panic or threaten violence or make any quick moves,” French said. “Kept my wits about me as best as I could. Asked thieves for instructions on what to do to prevent harm to myself.”
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