A rapid deceleration mechanism for a vehicle is provided herein. The rapid deceleration mechanism includes a cutting mechanism configured to be coupled to a body of the vehicle, e.g., via a tether. An actuating mechanism is configured to selectively actuate (e.g., release or propel) the cutting mechanism towards a road surface on which the vehicle is driving to cause the cutting mechanism to cut a channel in the road surface. The channel defines a bollard area in the road surface. At least a portion of the cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the channel, against the bollard area, to anchor the body of the vehicle relative to the road surface.