Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution at all times.
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Community development manager for Fidelity ADT Danny Maringa stressed that police impersonation incidents are isolated and that most police officers are just trying to do their job.
He highlighted the importance of motorists and community members being courteous, respectful and obedient to the instructions of real officers.
Maringa said these incidents can occur anywhere so one must ensure they are never distracted when exiting or entering an off-ramp.
Correct planning
“It all starts with correct planning. You have to be prepared for your trip and be familiar with the route you want to travel,” explained Maringa.
“If you are relying on your cellphone to guide you where you want to go, you need to make sure that you have a battery charger in your car.
“It is wise to always have a plan B in case the GPS lets you down and decides to take you on the fastest route, which is not necessarily the safest.”
Before leaving home, a motorist can print out directions for their route or keep a map book on hand.
Vigilance
Maringa said when travelling, motorists need to be vigilant, especially at night as there is less visibility.
He said it is key that motorists use their rearview and side mirrors at all times to see what is happening around them.
Besides exercising caution while travelling, Maringa told motorists to be vigilant while slowing down for traffic lights or other intersections.
“Your highest risk is if you come to a dead standstill in a deserted area,” said Maringa.
Follow your gut instinct
“If you are pulled over, let someone know immediately that you are being pulled over,” said Maringa.
This can be done by sending a location pin drop to a friend or if you have a tracking device it could be an assist button or Find Me App.
Sending a location is often easier in these situations as it can be difficult to describe exactly where you are.
“Put on your indicators to acknowledge that you know that they want to pull you over,” said Maringa.
“Ideally, slow down, put your lights on bright and hazards to attract the attention of any passers-by and drive to the nearest well-lit area if at all possible.”
Most petrol garages have cameras and you can phone 10111 en route who could potentially verify the vehicle registration number if it does not belong to the SAPS.
Maringa advised that if you have family and children in the car, try to prepare them without scaring them, but talk to them frankly.
“You need to have an emergency plan and the children must understand that they must follow your instructions no matter what.”
Maringa provided the following hints and tips to survive a hijacking:
• Decide today, what is worth more, your life or your car.
• Obey the hijacker and avoid eye contact.
• Indicate with both hands up at chest level that you are willing to obey.
• Ensure your fingers are open so that they can see you haven’t got anything in your hands.
• Don’t make any fast unannounced movements that could startle the hijackers.
• When you receive the order to get out of the vehicle, start with the seatbelt.
• Indicate that you want to undo your seatbelt, so the hijacker knows you have it on because releasing the seatbelt can make a loud noise that can sound like a gunshot.
• Tell them that you are going to pull up the handbrake.
• Use your left hand to open the door.
• Remember, no jerking movements.
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