In recent years, the world has witnessed a disturbing rise in vehicle-based terrorism, a form of attack where ordinary cars, trucks, or vans are used as deadly weapons. Commonly referred to as “vehicle-ramming attacks,” this tactic involves perpetrators deliberately driving vehicles into crowded areas, buildings, or other vehicles to inflict mass casualties. It has become a preferred method among terrorists because it is inexpensive, requires minimal training, and can strike with devastating effect in everyday public spaces. Unlike traditional terror tactics involving firearms or explosives, vehicle attacks exploit the very accessibility and ordinariness of vehicles, making prevention far more difficult.
Although vehicles have been used in violent incidents for decades, their use as a deliberate tool of terrorism can be traced back to the late 20th century. Early examples include incidents in the 1960s and 1970s, but the method gained global attention in the 2000s and especially in the 2010s. One of the deadliest and most infamous examples was the 2016 Nice truck attack in France, when a large cargo truck plowed through crowds celebrating Bastille Day, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds. This tragedy marked a turning point, inspiring copycat incidents across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Similar attacks followed in Berlin, Stockholm, London, Jerusalem, and New York, illustrating that this form of terror transcends geography and ideology.
The appeal of vehicle-based terrorism lies in its simplicity and the element of surprise. Unlike guns or explosives, vehicles are available almost everywhere, and their presence in public spaces rarely raises suspicion. The tactic also fits within what security experts call “low-tech terrorism,” where attackers use everyday objects to cause fear and chaos. For extremist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, propaganda encouraging followers to “use what you have” played a major role in popularizing the method. However, the tactic is not limited to jihadist extremists; far-right and lone-wolf attackers have also adopted it, turning vehicles into tools of ideological violence.
Data reveals the alarming global spread of this trend. Between 1970 and 2019, over 250 vehicle-ramming attacks were documented worldwide, resulting in more than 800 deaths and over 1,700 injuries. In Western countries alone, at least 18 terrorist vehicle attacks were recorded between 2014 and 2025, with approximately 83 percent linked to jihadist motives and the remainder associated with other extremist ideologies. In the last decade, at least 62 such incidents in major cities have killed over 240 people and injured more than 1,000. These figures reflect how the tactic has evolved from isolated incidents into a recurring and global threat.
The spread of vehicle-based terrorism has affected countries across continents, from France, Sweden, and Germany in Europe, to Israel and the United States, to regions of Asia, including China. Common targets include pedestrian zones, festivals, marketplaces, and tourist destinations, places that symbolize daily life and openness. These attacks not only cause physical destruction but also generate deep psychological trauma, instilling fear in ordinary activities such as walking on sidewalks or attending public events.
Several factors explain why this method continues to grow. First, the ease of access to vehicles makes them an ideal weapon for attackers who lack resources or training. Second, increased security and surveillance around traditional terror targets such as airports or government buildings have pushed extremists to find more accessible alternatives. Third, online propaganda and media coverage have contributed to a “copycat effect,” where attackers imitate previous high-profile incidents. Finally, urbanization and the rise of large public gatherings create more potential targets, amplifying the risk.
Governments and security agencies have responded with new protective strategies known as Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM). These include installing barriers, bollards, and reinforced pedestrian zones in vulnerable areas. Major cities have redesigned public spaces to prevent vehicles from entering crowded zones, especially during events and festivals. However, despite these efforts, authorities face a fundamental challenge: vehicles are essential to modern life, and restricting their access completely is neither practical nor possible. This delicate balance between freedom of movement and public safety remains one of the most complex aspects of countering vehicle-based terrorism.
Ultimately, vehicle-based terrorism represents the evolution of modern extremism, a shift from large-scale, coordinated attacks to smaller, spontaneous acts that are harder to predict and prevent. Its very simplicity makes it a potent threat: a weapon that hides in plain sight. As the world adapts to this new reality, vigilance, urban planning, and global intelligence sharing are crucial in reducing vulnerabilities. The fight against this form of terror is not just about physical protection but about preserving the sense of safety in everyday life.
