Protect yourself against hijacking

ADT Security has partnered with the National Hijack Prevention Academy to offer drivers safety hints and tips.

Clive Humphrey, managing director of ADT Security Centre Region, said, “Although the number of hijackings reported nationally is on the decline, hijackings are still a reality in South Africa. Knowing what to look out for and how to prevent falling prey to hijackers is a very pertinent topic.”

He gives the following safety tips:

•  If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home. If you are being followed, you will force the vehicle behind you to pass and this could cause the criminals to lose interest.
•  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.
•  Always make sure you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you when you stop in the traffic. This gives you enough room to maneuver and escape.
•  Don’t fall for the ‘tap tap’ trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic. Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage but rather drive to a busy location. Signal to the other driver to follow you. If it is not legitimate they will seldom follow you.
•  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 always remain vigilant. Research shows that most people relax the closer they get to home and this is often when they are most vulnerable.
•  Regarding children, Humphrey advised seating the eldest child directly behind the driver’s seat and the youngest to the left. “Should you be hijacked while your children are in the car, climb out of the vehicle slowly and move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door. Place one foot in the car as you lean across to retrieve the youngest child. The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can get both children out of the car at once. Remember to stay as calm as possible.”
• Do not antagonise the hijackers who are probably more scared than you are. Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender. Use your left arm to undo your seat belt and put your car in neutral. Do not turn off your car and get out slowly. Try and angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on. Protect your head with your arms and avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers.