What is a common characteristic of a ramming attack?

A ramming attack is characterized primarily by its targeting of public venues. This is because ramming attacks often involve individuals deliberately using vehicles to strike crowds at locations where large numbers of people gather, such as festivals, parades, or other public events. The objective is to cause maximum harm and instill fear among the general populace, making public venues an ideal setting for such attacks.

Highly coordinated planning, while it can occur in some attacks, is not a defining characteristic of ramming attacks specifically. Many of these attacks may be opportunistic in nature, requiring less intricate planning than other terrorist methods. The use of firearms is also not a common trait, as ramming attacks primarily utilize vehicles as the weapon of choice. Immediate announcements are typically not a feature of ramming attacks; rather, such events can often unfold quickly, leaving little time for perpetrators to communicate or claim responsibility before law enforcement intervenes. Thus, the focus on public venues effectively encapsulates the primary motive and execution style associated with ramming attacks.