Actions to take to reduce the risk of being hijacked
Know the area in which you are travelling.
Numerous residents have fallen prey to hijackings lately but there are precautions one can take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim.
They are as follows:
• Know the area in which you are travelling or at least familiarise yourself with it prior to the journey.
• When travelling out of town, plan all trips carefully. Carry maps with routes and destinations clearly marked. Service your vehicle regularly to ensure it is mechanically sound. It is much safer to travel on main roads during daylight hours.
• When possible, drive in the lane nearest the centre of the road to distance any would-be pedestrian attacker from your vehicle. Drive on well-lit streets. Avoid shortcuts that take you on dark, isolated streets.
• When stopped in traffic, leave sufficient space between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of yours. If someone approaches in a threatening manner, the open space will allow you to move forward or away.
• Do not park next to vans or vehicles that could conceal a potential attacker. When returning to your vehicle, have your keys in hand and be ready to unlock and get into it without delay.
• If your vehicle breaks down on the road, attempt to move it to a safe location. Activate the emergency flashers and stay locked inside until help arrives. If someone stops to offer assistance, request they summon help from an authorised emergency roadside service.
• If the driver of a vehicle without markings signals you to pull over to the side of the road, do not pull over. Keep driving to the nearest open business or where other people are present. However, comply immediately when signalled by an officer in a marked vehicle. Nevertheless, if you sense anything out of the ordinary, you may request to see identification. Law-enforcement officials understand this type of concern.
• If you feel you are being followed by another vehicle, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station. If one is not nearby, drive to an open business and blow your horn.
• If you are involved in a minor traffic accident and suspect suspicious circumstances, do not check the damage in a remote area or on the freeway. Motion the other driver to follow you to the nearest police or fire station or open business to exchange information.
• If you are attacked and the attacker has a weapon and demands your valuables or vehicle, comply. Your property can be replaced or recovered later.
• Once you and your attacker are in your vehicle, the hijacker has total control. There is no way to predict if the hijacker will harm you. One tactic you might consider if you are outside your vehicle is to fall flat on the ground. The carjacker may not want to take the time to force you inside the vehicle
Also Read: New hijacking trend a hoax
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