Vehicle ramming as a form of terrorist attack threatening public safety

Abstract

PURPOSE: This article examines terrorism on a global scale, focusing on the challenges of defining the phenomenon and the increasing threat posed by vehicle ramming attacks. The purpose of the study is to explore how vehicle ramming impacts public safety and to identify effective safeguards against such tactics.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative analysis of terrorist attack data from 1970 to 2019 with qualitative assessments of definitional issues and the operational characteristics of vehicle ramming. Methodologies include analogical reasoning, cause-and-effect analysis, and both de-ductive and inductive approaches to synthesize insights from a variety of sources.

FINDINGS: The findings indicate that despite numerous attempts by international institutions and scholars to establish a universal definition of terrorism, significant ambiguities remain. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a marked increase in both the frequency and lethality of vehicle ramming attacks, with particularly severe incidents observed in Europe during 2016– 2017, thereby supporting the hypothesis that these attacks are effective due to their low preparation requirements and minimal risk of detection.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In practical terms, the study underscores the urgent need for enhanced urban security measures, such as physical barriers and improved surveillance systems, to mitigate the threat to public spaces.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of this research lies in its focus on vehicle ramming as a distinct and emergent terrorist tactic, providing novel insights that bridge gaps in existing literature on terrorism and public safety.