How do Spike Strips work ? A detailed guide

When a high-speed chase threatens public safety, law enforcement needs an effective way to stop fleeing vehicles without causing catastrophic accidents. For that, they use a time-tested yet continually evolving technology that neutralizes threats by safely deflating tires. Used by police forces, border contol, and private security, these devices help prevent dangerous pursuits while ensuring road safety. But how exactly do spike strips work, and what makes modern versions even more efficient? Let’s dive into the mechanics, types, and latest innovations in vehicle immobilization.

What are police spike strips ?

Police spike strips are tire deflation devices used by law enforcement to stop vehicles. They are also know as spike belt, road spikes, traffic spikes, tire shredders, stingers or also stop sticks. They are used in public places by police officers, such as border control, to stop a fleeing vehicle or in private places to ensure security at sensitives locations. The strips can be deployed manually or automatically and consist of a series of hollow spikes or tubes connected by a flexible belt. They can be fixed and used to block vehicles from driving the wrong way or entering restricted areas. Or, they can be portable and activated remotely in high-risk situations. They deflate a suspect's vehicle tires (cars, motorbikes, or trucks), forcing them to slow down and eventually stop.

How do spike strips work ?

Mechanical principle of spike strips

The strips consist of steel spikes or hollow tubes connected by a flexible belt. The use of this material make the spikes very sturdy and spiky so when a vehicle drives over the strip, its tires are punctured forcing drivers to slow down or stop. A deflated tire deforms, reducing the contact surface between the tire and the road. This decreases grip, making the vehicle more difficult to control, especially at high speeds. The loss of pressure unbalances the vehicle, as each tire reacts differently. This can cause a pull to one side, forcing the driver to struggle to maintain a straight trajectory. Stopping a fleeing vehicle driving fast is not that easy. However, those kind of set up allows the police to catch fleeing driver easily on highway.

The spikes might be plain or perforated. The perforated shape is a secure way to perforate the tire without blowing it, in a controlled manner without sudden loss of control or creating a dangerous situation. The distance required to stop after driving over a spike strip depends on several factors, including the vehicle's initial speed, the type of tires, and the type of device used. In general, the higher the speed, the longer the deflation distance.

Differentiation between fixed and remote-controlled strips

Fixed spike strips are manually placed across the road. They remain installed and rely on the suspect driving over them. They are used to regulate the direction of traffic or preventing unauthorized access mostly in parking lots and restricted areas.

Remote-controlled spike strips can be deployed and retracted remotely, allowing officers to activate or deactivate the device at a precise moment. This feature ensures security and increases the chances of a successful interception. These portable tools offering greater adaptability are used in various environments.

Advantages and limitations of spike strips

As long as the tool is suitable, this type of system offers many advantages. It can quickly neutralize dangerous vehicles of all types. Their deployment enhances risk prevention by allowing security forces to maintain a safe distance and avoid high-speed chases. They are a vital tool in law enforcement and border control, ensuring better supervision over security measures. Depending on the types of belt, one or multiple vehicles can be stopped.

However, some limitations may occur. The efficiency against reinforced tires might be low depending on the type of stinger. Certain technology, such as the one used by Shark Robotics, leaving the stingers inside of the wheel, is a good solution for these reinforced systems. If the spikes are plain, the risk of blowing the tire is higher, as well as the loss of control of the vehicle, leading to dangerous situations.

The Shark Spike has been tested on tires from passenger vehicles to ‘C’ or ‘LT’ (Light Truck) tires. These are dedicated to utility vehicles with a load index of 128 or less, meaning a maximum acceptable load of 1800 kg or less. C tires are mainly distinguished by their rubber composition and construction, which includes reinforced sidewalls and a multi-layered substructure (carcass). The system has also been tested on “run-flat” tires. A run-flat tire is designed to continue functioning even after a puncture, allowing the vehicle to continue driving for a limited distance at a reduced speed.

The proper timing and placement can be fundamental, making the deployment conditions a required area of ongoing research and technological development. This is also why it is important to select the proper type of belt (fixed, retractable, mobile) to reduce even more any incident.

Modern spike strips : a technological leap

The future of spike strips likely lies in refining deployment mechanisms, improving puncture effectiveness against diverse tire types, and integrating intelligent systems to minimize risks and maximize control. Constantly evolving, this solution integrates cutting-edge innovations to maximize security and operational efficiency. With technological advancements, remote-controlled spike strips allow precise direction control over deployment, ensuring optimal interception points. The Shark Spike designed by Shark Robotics is a remote-controlled spike strip. It guarantees precise and adaptable size of deployment in less that 3 seconds. By using an automated control system, the Shark Spike is adaptable to various security scenarios. The device integrates with Shark Robotics' applications, providing real-time command for ideal efficiency and effectiveness as a high-risk situation requires.

Additional innovation, the Shark Spike leaves patended hollow made of aluminum (7075-T6) in the tire, increasing effectiveness against automatic puncture prevention systems releasing a specific amount of air. The full electrical system has a battery life up to 7 days or 400 cycles making it a reliable ally for users.

Questions

Are spike strips reusable ?

It depends on the type. Manual (fixed) spikes are usually not reusable because of the damaged stinger left behind reducing the efficiency. The remote-controlled system are reusable. The device designed by Shark Robotics is made to be more sturdy. After deploying the mechanism, users can replace any damaged spikes by new ones furnished with the product that can be quickly swapped out to maintain operational readiness. The stingers can be switched in 30 secondes.

Can spike strips damage other vehicles ?

Safely deployed, the unwished damaged vehicles risk is reduced. With remote use officers can quickly deactivate the device to prevent unintended perforations. This is why the Shark Spike can be deactivate in 2 secondes. This technology allows them to be selectively deployed, targeting only the intended vehicle. Additionally, controlled deployment guarantee that people protection is prioritized, avoiding unnecessary damage to civilian vehicles. The Shark Spike's smart deployment system further enhances precision, making it a reliable solution in high-risk security situations.

Visit our Shark Spike product page.