If you have children in the vehicle, it’s imperative that you do not become complacent and that you are more aware of the safety hazards around you, warns Tracker.
Ron Knott-Craig, Executive Operational Services at Tracker said many people go about their regular driving activity on autopilot without much awareness or consideration for what is going on around them.
“Particularly since hijackers and other criminals are becoming brazen and wherever the opportunity presents itself are taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals. A criminal act can happen anywhere and at any time.”
Here are some precautions you can take that will help to keep you and your loved ones safe:
• Be prepared
Like life insurance and funeral policies, we don’t want to think about negative circumstances, but it is necessary for you to know what to do in the event of a hijacking, particularly if you have children with you.
Vacating the driver’s seat while the children are still buckled in at the back leaves too great an opportunity for the hijacker to move into the seat and drive away before your children are safely out. Therefore, a young child’s car seat should be positioned so that the driver can easily reach back and unbuckle the child, then lift the child to the front and exit the vehicle together.
If, for whatever reason, you are unable to unbuckle your child from the seat while you’re still in the vehicle, try to take the key with you as a “bargaining tool” when you exit. Let the hijackers know that you are going to get your child out of the car seat and the vehicle.
Cautiously climb out of the vehicle and move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door. Place one foot firmly in the vehicle on the floor behind the driver’s seat and lean into the vehicle while you unbuckle your child. This way, if the hijacker drives off you will be thrown into the vehicle with your child.
• Plan ahead
Know what you are going to do in the event of being hijacked and discuss it with your children if they are old enough to understand.
Teach older children how to undo their safety belts, climb to the front of the vehicle, then get out of the vehicle with you and move to safety. They can also be taught how to help younger children, and to hold onto you while you all exit the vehicle at once.
• Be safe
Ensure you are aware of your surroundings at all times, whether driving or walking to and from your vehicle. In public spaces, put your mobile phone away and be present with your children so that you don’t get pinpointed as an easy target.
You can become easily distracted when entering or leaving your vehicle, particularly when buckling a baby into a vehicle seat. Attackers are relying on you being distracted and vulnerable, so make it clear to your children that this is not a time to mess around.
Always park your vehicle in a well-lit, properly secured parking area, ideally with security guards on duty. Have your keys ready and don’t talk on your mobile phone while walking to your vehicle. Try to walk to and from your vehicle with another person. If you are out shopping or running errands alone, consider walking near other shoppers in the parking lot or have a security guard accompany you.
• Easy access
It is always better to have an electric gate at home, but if you have to get out of the vehicle to manually open the gate, take the key with you if the children are in the vehicle.
Once again, this is so that you have a “bargaining tool”. If your children are older, rather have them exit the car with you when opening the gate so that you are all separate from the vehicle should a crime occur. Once you drive into your property stop just inside the gate to make sure that it closes securely before you park. Then, take the children out of the car to safety, before carrying in the shopping.
• A helping hand
These days a vehicle tracking service can offer much more than only stolen vehicle recovery. There are many different types of vehicle tracking devices and added services available to the market that offer greater care and protection for the families that invest in them.
Premium services can monitor your car and send you notifications on standard risk events like when you are entering high-risk areas. With more inclusive services, as the driver you are able to share your journey with a friend or loved one ensuring that they know where you are and that you are safe. Today’s tracking services are an ideal solution for motorists looking to ensure their personal safety and protect their vehicle.
Knott-Craig concluded, “Although nobody wants to think about it, it’s important to adequately prepare yourself and have a plan in case of an emergency. Criminals are most likely to strike when you least expect it, so remain vigilant at all times and stay safe.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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