Pit maneuvering is a technique used by law enforcement to stop runaway vehicles with minimal risk. The maneuver involves pulling alongside the target vehicle and swerving sharply to the side, causing the target vehicle to skid. The technique originated in Germany and was first used in the US by the Fairfax Police Department in the 1970s. It is most effective on dry roads and is only used when the target vehicle presents an immediate danger to the public or its occupants.
Pit maneuvering is a technique used by law enforcement agencies to stop runaway vehicles with minimal risk to the driver, police and the public. The acronym PIT has several possible meanings, including Precision Immobilization Technique, Pursuit Intervention Technique, and Precision Intervention Tactic, although the former of these is the most universally accepted. This technique is often used to end police-involved car chases quickly and effectively to reduce the danger to the public.
The technique as used today likely originated in Germany where it was used by the German military and law enforcement agencies. Some people believe it may have been derived from the “bump and run” technique used in professional motor racing. It was first used in the United States by the Fairfax, Virginia Police Department in the 1970s. While the maneuver is considered a standard technique by most US police forces, it has been banned in the UK and other parts of Europe due to the perceived danger.
During a pit maneuver, the follower vehicle pulls alongside a target vehicle and travels parallel. The front tires of the pursuing vehicle should be roughly in line with the rear tires of the target. To execute the move, the driver of the pursuing vehicle swerves sharply to the side of the target, which causes the target vehicle to skid. The driver of the target vehicle loses control and his vehicle is likely to skid or stall.
A pit maneuver is most effective on dry roads that are free of traffic and pedestrians. Wet or through roads make this move too dangerous in most cases. It is also helpful to have more than one pursuing vehicle involved, as the executing vehicle will need time to regain control after impact. Additional pursuit vehicles can deal with suspects in the target car or assist with injuries if things go awry.
The use of this technique is not taken lightly, and law enforcement typically must seek approval before using it in a pursuit. Approval is generally only granted if the target vehicle presents an immediate danger to the public or its occupants. The maneuver works best at speeds close to 35 miles per hour (55 km/h) and when vehicles are of similar size and height. At higher speeds, alternative methods such as spike strips or tactical vehicle boxing are safer and more effective.
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