Ok - I know I am being slightly paranoid but.... Would it be possible for someone to get in the drivers seat & drive away while I am putting my baby in the carseat in the back of the car? I'm just trying to work out in my head whether the SKS is a good thing or bad thing.
I suppose so, since the SKS can't discriminate between who is pushing the Power button so long as the SKS is within range of activating the car.
Although it would be possible for someone to drive away while you are that close to your car with the fob in your possession, the person (committing aggravated vehicular hijacking in Illinois) would need to know how to start your car and put it into gear. I mean, surprise, surprise when the criminal looks for the key and the shifter on either the steering column or the floor and then realizes they're not where they're supposed to be. Further, it's kind of hard to imagine anyone, even some hardcore, drugged out, nut job criminal, trying to perpetrate something of this nature when they can easily determine the car isn't running (which it wouldn't be while you're putting your baby in the carseat). So, the bottom line is the criminal would need to have some specialized knowledge here. Moreover, even a criminal who just happens to know how to start and drive a Prius would still have to figure out whether or not you even had SKS in the first place. Finally, don't forget that SKS can easily be disabled by merely pushing a button located under the dash (below the steering wheel). In that event, your fob would have to be taken by force which, if the perpetrator really wanted your particular car for some reason, would be the more likely scenario. Then, he'd probably force you to show him how to start the car and put it into gear.
If safety is really your concern, I'd go with the SKS...you're more likely to be attacked while fumbling in your pocket or purse for your key than to have the scenario you describe happen, especially since mostly when you take your child out it's in broad daylight, right?. I seriously doubt most would-be car thieves or random child abductors would have the knowledge to hold the brake down while pressing the power button in order to start the car (which takes a few more seconds than turning the conventional key).
I thought the power button specifically scanned the INSIDE of the car for the key. If you were standing outside, would it actually detect it?
No, it would not. You need to be within 3ft of the sensor in the center console. Many a time I've gotten out, closed the door and opened the back with the car still on. It still "beeps" in protest stating the key's not where it should be.
If someone is intent on taking your Prius, he will, regardless of the SKS. The SKS system will not make a difference, except that the average car jacker may not have a clue about how to get the car started.
I placed my fob pretty close to where one would be standing when placing a kid into a carseat (located in the rear, of course). I had no problem starting the car. I think you'd be even closer to the center console if the fob were in your pocket and the carseat placed in the middle of the rear seat (as opposed to the outboard position).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius\";p=\"87583)</div> My thought exactly. Probable outcome would be the guy freaking out after one glance at the interior and then hightailing it out of there.
Heya, It's conceivable - BUT..... You'd have to be VERY close to the car. I think someone said within 3' of the center which sounds accurate to me. So - Bear this in mind - The Prius allowed you to open the doors because you have the SKS on you - but the car (if I understand it correctly) will re-check for the presence of it when the start button is pressed. SOOOOO - If you're getting carjacked - it'd seem to me there'd be pleanty of time to throw the SKS away from the car before the would-be theif figgures out about the start button. Yoda
OK - I have ordered my Prius. I don't have it yet, so I have a question. If the Carjacker drives away without the Fob does the car Quit Running? Can I start the car, throw the Fob out the window, and keep drivibg? Just Wondering John
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(johnover\";p=\"87691)</div> What he asked! Was just wondering the same as I was reading this thread!
Yes. You can drive the car and toss the key out the window. The car will operate perfectly normally until it is shut off. Once it's shut off, it won't be able to start again because the FOB is gone!
Don't forget. Pressing the brake pedal is COMPULSORY in a Prius to start the car. A would-be car thief probably wouldn't have the time to think about that and would just go in ACC mode. By the time he's done figuring out what the hell's going on, you'll be long gone.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius\";p=\"87717)</div> As long as you can outrun a bullet. In many cases of aggravated vehicular hijacking, the perpetrator is armed. There isn't anything special about the Prius to prevent or make it more of a target for aggravated vehicular hijacking. In the end you have to use your good common sense to avoid such a situation if at all possible. That's what I really miss about Utah: carjackings were rare, and if you just happened to have your legally concealed handgun with you, it wasn't a big deal to defend your property and your life.
im not a troll but... why would someone steal a prius??? its not fast and most likeley the police would chase him. and you have that motherly instict that you are going to protect your children (child) so i wouldn't worry about it and if it happens just fight for your life (unless they have a gun sit quietly and try not to cry in fear) -jake
cars are stolen for many reasons. Popular cars are stripped for parts and sometimes if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time they might just need to change cars. A Prius would be a great car for a glory CA car chase on the evening news channels. They could drive forever as long as they are not stopped by spike strips. Speed doesn't matter. As for the main topic. I wouldn't be paranoid any more than with a keyed ignition. If you are aware of your surroundings and park in well lit areas the SKS can be helpfull for spending less time fumbling with a key. The faster you can go the better. If you want to be paranoid always walk around the car to make sure someone isn't hidding. If someone realy wants your car there is no stopping them. If you value your life, just let them take it (without the fob or your kid). I'd also add that it might be better to load your kid from the driver's side to make it more difficult for someone to enter the driver's seat because you're in the way more.
Who would carjack a Prius? Only the trmendous range makes it a good getaway car. Not enough power or handling to outrun a police car.
