If You See a Stroller on the Side of the Road at Midnight—Don’t Get Out to Check It
You’re driving home late, the road is quiet, and the streetlights flicker in the distance. Suddenly, you see it—a baby stroller, just sitting by the side of the road.
Your first instinct? Pull over. Check if a child’s inside. Help if needed.
But don’t.
Law enforcement in several cities has issued warnings about a disturbing tactic used by criminals: placing a stroller (sometimes with a doll or blanket inside) on the roadside at night to bait kind-hearted drivers into stopping. When someone gets out of their vehicle to investigate, they become a sitting target.
It’s a setup. A distraction.
And it’s not just strollers—some reports mention car seats, bikes, even “injured” dogs. All staged to lure you away from your locked car and closer to danger.
If you ever see something suspicious like this:
- Stay inside your vehicle.
- Do not approach.
- Call emergency services immediately and report the location.
You might feel heartless for not checking—but your safety matters too.
In a world where kindness can be exploited, being cautious isn’t cruel—it’s smart.
