Hijackings are a frightening and terrible ordeal that can happen anywhere and at any moment.
For some, their first reaction is to save the prized possessions they have worked so hard for but according to TRSS Reaction Hijacking Security who agree with most security analysts, it is better to let the criminal take whatever they want, as your life is worth more.
They said that you should let the hijacker take your vehicle if there is a chance that it can save your life.
Metro police officer Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar gave the following tips on how to avoid a hijacking;
- Keep your doors locked
- When you stop at a stop sign or traffic light, ensure you have an escape route and keep the number of the police on your phone
- If you see a car following you, do not stop. Instead, drive to your nearest police station
- Remain vigilant at all times.
However, circumstances differ in each case. TRSS Reaction provided some steps to remember below that could save your life and the occupants in your car if you are hijacked:
- If you are travelling with a child, it would be better to have them sit behind you – not on the left rear side of the seat. This gives your child on the right-hand side a better chance to escape. It also saves you time as you do not need to run around to the opposite side of the car
- If you are travelling with two or more children, show them how they can loosen their seatbelts and for older children, it is preferred that you use the child-lock system
- Do not keep your car key in your pocket, the hijacker may think you are reaching for a firearm
- For a motorist using a central locking system, remember to open all your doors, get yourself and children out of the car and hand your keys to the hijacker
- Keep your key in an armrest or close by, it is your bargaining tool as it can buy you time to get your children or child out while the hijacker gets into the car
- When you are outside, try not to face the hijacker, turn your body sideways – this shields your vital organs from bullets if the hijacker decides to shoot
- Try to remain as calm as possible, do not interact with the hijackers unless you have to.
In all these situations remain vigilant at all times and call the police.
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