A TikTok trend called "Kia Challenge" may have been the reason for four teens' deaths in Buffalo. According to Gizmodo, the trend prompts participants in the challenge to hijack Kia cars using a USB cable. The accident that claimed four lives could be due to a failed attempt to join in on the hype.
There is no shortage of challenges and trends in TikTok, but there are a few that have risked the health of its users. An example would be the "Black Out Challenge," where participants would hold their breath until they pass out. Another is the "Tide Pod Challenge" where some TikTok users would ingest laundry detergent.
The Kia Challenge Aftermath
According to reports, it was possible that six teenagers attempted to participate in the TikTok challenge. The crash happened on Route 33, in Buffalo, New York. This endeavor has led to four deaths and two injuries. One of the passengers, a 14-year-old, has been hospitalized. The 16-year-old driver has been charged with third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
The phenomenon has been happening since July, without TikTok videos showing people stealing Kias and Hyundais using a charger cable. Those who participate in the trend usually target Kia Sportage models. However, spokespeople from Kia and Hyundai said that it can't be done with 2022 models, as mentioned in The Drive.
This late August, Los Angeles Police Department mentioned that theft of the mentioned brands increased by 7%, from 2021 to 2022. This September, Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart, that they have seen an astounding 800% increase in car thefts.
This isn't the first incident that was reported, according to Insider. A crash that caused the deaths of two 14-year-old boys has also been linked to the trend. The incident happened in Columbus, Ohio, where they crashed a stolen Hyundai Sonata.
Columbus Police Commander Duane Mabry expressed that it's a game for kids, seeing how many they can steal in a day. They have even used the cars to commit other crimes. He also added that their department has seen a 40% increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts.
Mechanics
The participants in the trend appear to remove the steering column cover of the car and dismantle the key slot. They will then use a USB cable to turn the ignition, start the vehicle, and release the steering lock. This can be done with the same vehicle many times.
The cars that still use physical keys to start, aren't equipped with a factory-installed anti-theft device called an immobilizer. Some immobilizers have transponders, making the security of the car foolproof even if they copy the key. The transponder authenticates the key against the vehicle's ECU, meaning that the car won't start if it did not pair with the transponder.
Drivers who own susceptible vehicles are advised to use additional security measures. They may purchase an aftermarket immobilizer, or simply buy a steering wheel look so their car can't be driven away.
