Hijacking or carjacking has become one of the most prevalent crimes in South Africa and everyone who drives a motor vehicle is a potential victim.
Hijackers are merciless criminals who will prey on the unprepared and the ignorant driver.
Any confrontation with a criminal who has an inclination to use aggressive force on one’s life or person, is an extremely traumatic experience as the attack occurs unexpectedly and little or no chance of effective action – other than instinctive reaction – can be exercised.
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Unless one is specially trained to react effectively in dangerous situations, one’s normal reactions are those of shock and paralysis. If you intend to defend yourself in a potentially dangerous situation or to defend persons under your control, you must prepare yourself psychologically and have the knowledge and confidence to act correctly.
Here are some essential anti-hijack tips:
Some of the observations the attacker makes are:
1. He sees that you are negligent and sees goods in your motor vehicle that he wants, eg. cash money, firearm, bank bag, equipment and other goods.
2. He sees doors unlocked and windows ajar.
3. He sees that you have no escape route.
4. He notices that you are lost and are looking for directions.
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5. He notices that you have not noticed him.
6. He notices that you cannot drive properly and confidently.
7. He sees that you have sandwiched yourself between two large vehicles.
8. He sees you stationary at a red traffic light and not paying attention to your surroundings eg. putting on make up, looking at the radio, making conversation with other occupants, reading the newspaper.
9. He notices that you are coming from work and knows that your concentration level is very low.
– Be pro-active: Plan your actions by identifying potential threats and avoid them instead of waiting for the threat to materialise. Prevention is better than cure.
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Ensure that your vehicle is at all times in a roadworthy condition. Know how to check your vehicle. Keep valuables out of sight. Lock all doors when you get in or out – have keys ready to do it quickly at all times. Keep windows wound up with a small gap for fresh air. If driving a strange vehicle – familiarise yourself with the controls.
Plan your route. Identify alternative routes. Vary your routes randomly. Know the key points on your route, eg. police station, traffic authorities, military bases, business complex, hospital, medical centre or clinics, security companies, family or friends’ work or home. Tell members of your family or work colleagues where you are going and the route you are taking.
– Tactical driving techniques: Your ability to avoid or escape from a possible hijack situation is dependent largely on your driving skill. Although hijack situations may arise which cannot be avoided, most hijacking situations can be prevented and avoided by tactical driving skills.
– If you are hijacked: Remember that the hijacker is only interested in your vehicle so try to stay calm and do not look or stare at the hijacker. At this point you have to decide on one of two types of reaction, ie. to resist or not to resist and if you have had no formal training and are not equipped to resist, then do not resist.
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Listen to all directions and instructions carefully, give up the vehicle freely, keep your hands up. Make no sudden movements and tell the attacker of any movements that you may intend to make, eg undoing the seat belt. Co-operate with the attacker and tell him of any other passengers in the vehicle.
Prevention is better than cure and avoidance is the best way to prevent a hijack.
(Information from Vassie ‘Logan’ Thevan, National Driver Development)
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