Shouldn't the doors lock...

[mr_miles]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

I'm guessing you've never lived in California. Pedestrians have more rights there than in many other states, and (I feel) it is a sue happy culture. Having lived most of my life in California (and assuming your comment is serious, rather than just hyperbole), the fact that someone would sue me to try to get my money would always be paramount in my mind, so I would never utilize your solution. The most dangerous people in the world CAN BE (not necessarily are, but can be) the people who have absolutely nothing and the people who have everything, because the former have nothing to lose and the latter can afford to lose almost anything. IIRC, California has a Castle Doctrine, but it is limited because you have to prove that the force you used on your own property was reasonable or necessary. I've heard people in Texas refer to this as 'The California Apology'.

I've driven in quite bad parts of Oakland, CA - Memphis, TN - Detroit, MI - Los Angeles, CA - San Francisco, CA - Camden, NJ - Las Vegas, NV - Mobile, AL - New Orleans, LA - San Diego, CA - NYC - and Albuquerque, NM...and I can't imagine doing so without having my doors locked. I consider the national average of 100 for total crime (see the stats from Onboard Informatics in the city (zip code) profiles on move.com) to be pretty safe. Where my cousin and his wife and kids live in the SF Bay Area fluctuates between 100 and 105 and I would feel safe walking their dog in their neighborhood at any time of the day or night. Where I grew up, the total crime index is now in the low 20s. Where my Aunt and Uncle live it is in the teens. Where my cousin and little cousin who inspired my Yarisworld name live, the total crime index is in the high 30s. Where I live, it fluctuates from the 40s to low 50s...YET there was a carjacking recently at a school that is fairly close by (which freaks me out). I wouldn't want auto locking car doors (too Orwellian to suit me), BUT I should probably lock my car doors MORE often while I'm driving.

year later response~ I'm from SoCal. the way I've always seen it, if you're willing to try and steal a moving car, or a stopped one that's running (such as mine while I am in it), you are taking the risk of getting your ass ran over. Regardless of me possibly getting arrested ;p this also applies to people attempting to take my said belongings if I am in said car. Cars are dangerous, and should be seen as such. Pedestrians should take more care in my opinion. This includes me when I am one also :)

I do understand the idea of auto locks....but at the same time....the real purpose eludes me. I do however,quite like how my 2013 will not let me lock the doors if the car is off and the key is in the ignition. Now that's a smart feature. lol.