Tips to protect your passengers in case of a hijacking

A hijacking is terrifying to experience when driving alone or with your loved ones. With the high possibility of the hijackers being violent and threatening your lives, it would be better to co-operate and come out of the ordeal reasonably unscathed. Your life is far more precious than your belongings or car.

The National Hijack Prevention Academy shares some tips on what to do in a hijacking situation. Richard Brussow from the Academy says that it is rare that children would  be taken during a hijacking . This only happens in approximately 6 out of 24 000 cases. Hijackers would try to avoid this because it makes the hijacking a high priority and will attract a lot more attention.

What should you do during a hijacking?¹

1. If you are travelling alone with your small child, it would be better for them to sit directly behind you. If you were to be hijacked, it would be a quicker way to get your child out of the car.
2. If your children are old enough, teach them to remove their own seatbelts in an emergency situation.
3. If your child is old enough, disable the kiddies lock on your vehicle so that they are able to open their doors in an emergency.
4. If your car has central locking, first unlock all the doors before exiting the vehicle. When you have safely left your car, remove your younger children out since they  can’t help themselves. Inform the criminals what you are doing at all times  to avoid putting you and your family in a compromised situation.
5. If you drive a car with a keyless system,  keep the key inside the vehicle. If you were to try and pull the key either out your pocket or handbag, the hijackers might think that you are pulling out a weapon.
6. When you are outside the car, turn your body sideways to protect your vital organs in-case the hijacker was to shoot at you. This will also help to get your kids out of the car.
7. If you were to be hijacked, always listen and follow the hijacker’s instructions and try to remain as calm as possible. Avoid making  eye contact and avoid any other chit-chat than what is necessary. They are already nervous and aggressive as it is, you will make it worse if you do this. Also, make them aware of what you are going to do as this will avoid  any unnecessary trouble.

For women who are travelling alone with her children, it’s important to remember that the eldest child should sit directly behind her and the youngest should sit on the left side. If you were to get into a car hijacking with your children, you should get out of the car slowly and move to the passenger door that is directly behind the driver’s door. You should put one foot down in the car, as you lean across to grab your youngest child, the eldest child would probably hold onto you as you leave the vehicle. The reason why this is a good idea is because  your hijacker may get a bit nervous and decide to drive off, you will then be thrown into the car with your children. This is a much better position to be in than the hijackers driving off with just your children  and you being left behind.

More helpful tips to prevent hijacking¹

• 68% of hijackings happen close to home. It is essential to be very vigilant when you are pulling in or out of a driveway.
• When approaching your home, start opening your gate so that you can drive in and not wait in front of the entrance for it to open. If you don’t do this, you could allow hijackers to box you in. Also, by remaining in the road could  allow you to  get away if necessary.
• Always be vigilant if you are being followed home. If you feel you are being followed, try and let the car pass by indicating into another driveway or road. This will give you an idea of what the occupants in that car’s intentions are.
• If you have to manually open the gate and have kids in the car, take the keys out as this can be a negotiating tool when getting your kids out during a hijacking.
• Do not stop too close to another car in traffic. Make sure you can see the back tyres of the vehicle in front of you so that you can get away if someone tries to hijack your car.
• If you live in a complex you could be followed inside. Always be vigilant as most people relax and lower their guard the closer they get to home, and this is where you are most vulnerable.
• Hijackers will fake an accident by tapping the back of your car knowing you will get out of your vehicle to assess what’s going on. Instead, drive to a busy location, if it is a hijacker, they will most likely not follow you.

What if you are hijacked? ¹

• Do not provoke the hijackers. They have to believe that you are not a threat.
• Raise your arms to show that you have no weapons and are not a threat.
• With your right arm up, loosen your seatbelt and put your car in neutral with your left arm. If you were to use your right arm, it might look like you are reaching across to get a weapon.
• Do not switch off your car.
• Do not make direct eye contact with your hijackers and listen carefully to their demands and never turn your back to them. All of your body’s organs are more exposed if your back faces them.

Please take care and drive carefully. Knowing how to handle a potential hijacking situation could give you more peace of mind. Having the right car insurance cover could give you extra peace of mind as well.

Are you interested in getting affordable car insurance? Consider getting affordable car insurance that includes unique benefits like premiums that don’t increase* and a reduce to zero excess*, only with PMD. T’s and C’s apply.

This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.

Source:

1 https://www.bambino.co.za/hijacking/