Hijacking and Carjacking: What to do in such event

Prevention:

Always be aware of your surroundings while driving. This will give you an idea of who should not be there. If you feel someone is following you drive to a safe place and get help. Do not go home. Safe places include petrol stations, Police Stations and Fire Departments.
If you think you are being followed. Turn right randomly four times – this means you are driving in a circle. If the person behind you follows, there is a good chance that you are right. Drive to a safe place immediately.
Try to avoid “hijacking hot spots” if possible. They are called “hot spots” for a good reason. If you cannot avoid them, make sure to let someone know you will be driving there and what time.
Most hijackings occur at or close to home. Be extra vigilant when leaving or arriving home. At any unease drive past.
Do not drive with your windows fully open. Let them remain closed or only open as much as needed – so that nobody can put a hand or arm inside.
When stopped at a robot or stop sign be vigilant. Keep your car in gear and ready to move at a moment’s notice. Keep a distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Make sure you can see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you. This will give you room to manoeuvre in an emergency situation.

Keep calm and put your hands in the air so they can be seen clearly by the hijacker.
Do not look the hijacker in the eye. This can be regarded as a challenge.
Speak slowly and clearly. Do not use bad language or try to pick a fight. It is not worth your life.
Loosen your seatbelt with your left hand while letting the hijacker know what you are doing. Always keep your right hand visible.
If you have any passengers inform the hijacker, you want to remove them. When taking out children from the back seat. Open the door. Put your foot inside while reaching for them. If the hijacker decides to drive off, you will be thrown inside onto the back seat.
Be cooperative. Your goal is to get out of the situation alive.
Do not take any risks or try to be a hero especially if you are not alone in the vehicle. It is not worth the cost of your life or your loved one’s life.
Try to take in as much detail as possible. i.e., How many hijackers, how many and what type of weapon they are using, direction they drive off in, the vehicle they use to hijack you, language spoken if possible and anything else that the police might find useful.
If you are forced to stay in the vehicle, stay calm and assess the situation. If possible, drive into another vehicle at slow speed. Remember safety first.
Report the incident as soon as possible.

We wish you safe travels!

Posted on Feb 29, 2024 by Auto Repair Directory