In South Africa, one hijacking occurs roughly every 32
minutes. Over 12 000 vehicles were hijacked in SA between April and December
2016 – 14.9% more in 9 months than in the previous financial year.
This means it can happen to anyone but unfortunately, women,
especially driving alone, ,are easy targets’.
But what can one do? The best is to avoid hijacking hotspots
as regularly announced by the SAPS in the media and to prepare oneself whenever
you are in such a situation but also take some precautionary measures.
Here are some good tips and advice from DialDirect
Insurance:
- Use
a GPS to avoid getting lost and becoming an easy target. Inform someone at
your destination about your estimated time of arrival.
- Always
be aware of your surroundings and look out for anything suspicious.
- Limit
distractions, such as checking or talking on your cell phone when walking
to or from your car.
- Avoid
driving with windows open, keep the doors locked and lock valuables out of
sight.
- Install smash-and-grab
window protection if possible.
- If
you suspect you are being followed, make a couple of false turns. If
someone is still following you, drive to the nearest police station.
- Leave
enough room between you and the car in front of you to avoid being boxed
in.
- Slowdown
in such a way that the light is green by the time you reach a traffic
light, especially late at night – this prevents you coming to a complete
stop and reduces your risk of becoming a target.
- Always
park in a safe, well-lit area.
- If
you sense you are in danger, use the panic button on your tracking device
or contact your armed response company.
- Check
the back seat before getting into the car, even if you left it locked.
- A
well-maintained car is less likely to break down – keep your car in good
condition. If you do break down then pull over, turn the hazard lights on
and call for emergency assistance.
- Avoid
distractions while driving.
What to do if confronted by a hijacker:
- Remain
calm
- Do
not argue
- Do
not make sudden gestures
- Avoid
eye contact but try to remember what the carjacker looked like by
identifying and remembering special features.
- Comply
with the hijacker’s directions – within reason
- Try
and get away from the area as quickly as possible
- Don’t
be a hero – your life is worth more than your car
