The Carolina squat is a style of driving where the front end of a vehicle, most often a truck, is raised while simultaneously lowering the back. This causes the truck's front end to point slightly higher while the back end is closer to the ground, giving the impression that the vehicle is squatting.
The trend swiftly swept the nation after going viral. After more and more people began uploading pictures of their Carolina Squat trucks online, social media in making it spread, with North and South Dakota rapidly catching on.
Large SUVs and pickup trucks frequently have Carolina Squat modifications performed, but standard cars can also have them. Because the change results in problems such as vehicle weight imbalance, worn-out tires, poor braking, and inappropriate steering, it is not beneficial, especially in terms of safety.
Although the name suggests it originated in Carolina, it started in California before spreading around the nation. Because of this, it is often referred to as the California Lean or Cali Lean.
It soon gained much attention, likes, and comments on social media, becoming a massive craze. The term was searched for on the internet over 33,000 times in the US alone throughout May.
Baja racing teams soon discovered that a negative rake angle would prevent a truck from being damaged when it had to land after a jump. But the main reason is that the truck's rear will touch the ground first, lessening the impact's force and limiting any harm to the truck and the driver.
The truck could also be cushioned if it did fall on its front wheels due to the front's greater suspension travel. This allows them to jump quicker because they won't have to worry as much about landing.
Following the signing of a petition by over 72,000 individuals, senators voted 33-1 in December 2021 to make it illegal for owners to squat their trucks in North Carolina.
This bill prohibits trucks from having their front fenders 4 inches or more above their rear fenders. The first offense for a driver is a $100 fine; however, after the third offense, the fine increases to $300, and the driver's license is suspended for a year.
Governor Glen Younkin signed a bill making it illegal in Virginia following the death of Jody "BJ" Upton Jr., a 27-year-old father from the Mecklenburg area. The driver who killed him, Anthony Newcomb, was driving a Squat-modded truck.
Unfortunately, the Carolina Squat is extremely risky and complex. Squatting a vehicle brings up several complications, liabilities, challenges, and setbacks. It affects the vehicle's performance and handling in addition to its appearance.
Because the truck's rear end is already on the ground, those who squat their trucks cannot pull a load. Even worse, if the front end is higher than the back, the truck's headlights will be directed upward rather than toward the road ahead. Because of this, the truck's angle compromises the driver's ability to see what is in front of them, which makes it dangerous.
In the case of a collision, the side of the impacted vehicle will experience an upward force if a Squat truck strikes it, increasing the likelihood of rollover accidents. Head-on collisions with Carolina squats are riskier since the wrecked car will slam against the low-reared part of the truck's base structure as it submerges underneath the truck.
Also, a Carolina squat truck's design allows the front to be lifted high enough to cross a car's front windscreen. As a result, Carolina Squat truck accidents can cause severe injuries such as broken necks, backs, and legs.
Because of its ridiculousness and the ease with which it may be done, the Carolina squat initially gained popularity. However, modifying your car in such a way may cause problems for the car's performance and, of course, driver safety concerns. After all, the Carolina Squat was banned for a reason in some states.
So, out of safety concerns, don’t attempt to make your vehicle squat, even if it seems like a fun idea.
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