5 ways to avoid becoming a hijack statistic

Hijacking is rapidly becoming the leading vehicle crime in South Africa, with 5 455 reported between October and December 2021, according to Saps.

This is a 13.8% increase over the same period the previous year.

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So how do you reduce your chances of becoming the latest statistic? It’s all about staying alert when you’re behind the wheel, says King Price’s client experience partner Wynand van Vuuren.

Below are Van Vuuren’s top 5 tips to avoid being hijacked:
1. Be careful you’re not being followed
One of the most common places people are hijacked is their own driveway. If you think you’re being followed, don’t turn into your driveway – rather keep driving. If the car stays behind you, drive straight to the nearest police station. And even if there’s no one around you, don’t drive straight into your driveway: if you’re able to, pull up parallel to the road while the gate is opening so you have some space to get away if you see a suspicious vehicle approaching.

2. Watch out for cars slowing down
There’s an increasing trend of hijackers stopping suddenly on a highway off-ramp or busy street. When you stop, they take your car at gunpoint. Another modus operandi is for hijackers to bump into your car from behind, to make you pull over and assess the damage.

3. Be aware of your surroundings
When stopped at intersections, don’t check your messages or fiddle with the car radio. Stay alert to what’s happening around you, and watch out for any potential threats. Keep your windows closed and your doors locked, and leave enough room in the traffic to avoid getting boxed in.

4. Don’t be the hero
If a hijack occurs, surrender your car and your possessions. Move slowly. Keep your hands visible, and don’t look directly at the hijackers. If you have children in the car, tell the hijacker you’re going to take a few seconds to get them out. Don’t get involved in verbal or physical altercations. Your life is worth more than your earthly possessions.

5. Make sure you’re covered
Make sure your car insurance cover is up to date and that you do what’s required of you. Also check whether your policy offers emergency assistance in case anything happens to you, and make sure you’ve saved the number on your phone.

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