Six tips to prevent a hijacking

KZN and Gauteng are the leading provinces in South Africa when it comes to hijackings.

According to hijacking data recently released, December and January, as well as the months between March and June are the highest risk times of the year, with most of the hijackings taking place between 6am and 9am, and 6pm and midnight.

ALSO READ: SA motorists could be in for ‘fuel price shocker’

‘Being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to respond if you find yourself in a hijacking situation is critical,’ said SecureDrive head of marketing and communications Charnel Hattingh.

Here are some safety tips and hints motorists should follow to stay safe:

1. If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two or three houses prior to your home. If you are being followed, you will force the vehicle behind you to pass, which could cause the criminals to lose interest.

2. If you need to stop in your driveway to manually open the gate, always leave the key in the ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car. Only then should you take the key with you as you open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – they want your car and you want your child.

3. Make sure you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you when you stop in traffic. This gives you enough room to manoeuvre and escape.

4. Don’t fall for the ‘tap tap’ trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic. They often use female drivers as decoys in these situations. Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage, rather drive to a busy location. Signal to the other driver to follow you. If it is not legitimate, they will seldom follow you.

5. If you stay in a secure complex with security guards, do not be fooled into thinking you are safe. You can easily be followed into your complex, so remain vigilant. Research shows that most people relax the closer they get to home, and this is often when they are most vulnerable.

6. If you have a panic button or a mobile security app, have it on hand just in case. Ask your security company if they offer a safe arrival service, so an armed response officer meets you at your home to ensure you enter your property safely.

If you are already in the situation of being hijacked, these are the safest instructions to follow when handing over your car:

‘The first and golden rule is don’t antagonise the hijackers who are probably more scared than you are. You need to show them you are not a threat. 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,’ said Hattingh.

‘Do not turn off your car, and get out slowly,’ she explained. ‘Try and angle your body sideways so you do not face a firearm head-on. Also remember to protect your head with your arms, and avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers.’Do try to take in what they are wearing, the sound of their voices, and any other unique identifying features that could help police later. Most importantly, try to remain calm,’ she concludes.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer