Ensure that you are prepared for the worst
There have been incidents of these crimes both in the Onderberg's major towns and rural areas over the past few months, which proves that all motorists should be on alert.
MALALANE – A hijacking or armed robbery can happen in a flash and leave you stranded by the side of the road without your possessions, or possibly injured and in dire trouble. There have been incidents of these crimes both in the Onderberg’s major towns and rural areas over the past few months, which proves that all motorists should be on alert.
TRAC recently encouraged all road users to be more cautious when travelling along the N4 between Pretoria and Maputo. Here are a few of their anti-crime safety tips:
• Plan your route and let a friend or family member know your estimated time of arrival
• Don’t drive with your windows open, and keep the doors locked. Store your valuables like phones, keys, wallets and tablets, out of sight
• Avoid using your cellphone while you drive
• If you suspect that you’re being followed, head to a busy public area or drive to the nearest police station
• If a law-enforcement vehicle seems suspicious, don’t stop. Follow the same measures as above
• Try not to stop on the highway, even close to toll plazas, as stationary vehicles are more vulnerable to attacks
• Don’t stop on the side of the road for a toilet break. Make scheduled stops at filling stations
• Only pay toll at the clearly marked plazas. There have been cases where people have approached motorists to receive tolls on behalf of TRAC
• Don’t pick up hitch-hikers.
If you run in to unexpected mechanical problems, especially during the night, don’t get out of the vehicle. Call TRAC’s 24-hour HelpDesk on 08000-87-22-64 or
082-881-4444. The same number can be used to report accidents or other road issues.
If you do land in a hijacking situation, try not to antagonise the hijackers. “Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender. Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral,” says Stephen Steven Bronks, community development manager for Fidelity ADT.
He recommends that you don’t turn off the car, and get out slowly. Try not to face a firearm head-on, remember to protect your head with your arms and avoid direct eye contact with the suspects.
Remain calm and try to remember as much as you can about their clothing, distinctive features, voices and actions.
Don’t argue with them or make sudden gestures. Try to comply with their directions, within reason, and try to get away from the area as quickly as possible.
