When travelling with your loved ones, specifically children, it is of utmost importance to pay attention to your surroundings at all times and be aware of the safety hazards around you.
A criminal act can happen at any time and anywhere so here are some precautionary tips to take into consideration to help keep you and your family safe:
• Be prepared: It is necessary for you to know what to do should you become a victim of a hijacking, particularly if you have children with you. Should this happen to you, do not vacate the driver’s seat while the children are still buckled in at the back because this creates an opportunity for the hijacker to move into the seat and drive away before your children can safely exit the vehicle. If a young child’s car seat is in the vehicle, it should be positioned in such a way that the driver can easily reach back and unbuckle the child, then lift the child to the front and exit the car together.
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If, for whatever reason, you are unable to unbuckle your child from the seat while you’re still in the car, 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 car and move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door. Place one foot firmly in the car on the floor behind the driver’s seat and lean into the car while you unbuckle your child. This way, if the hijacker drives off you will be thrown into the car with your child.
• Plan ahead: If your children are old enough to understand, discuss with them the do’s and don’ts should you all be involved in a hijacking one day. Teach older children how to undo their safety belts, climb to the front of the car, then get out of the car 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 car.
• Be safe: Be aware of your surroundings at all times – whether driving or walking to and from your car. When in public spaces, put your mobile phone away and be present with your children so that you don’t become pinpointed as an easy target. You can easily become distracted when entering or leaving your car, particularly when buckling a baby into a car seat.
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Avoid parking in isolated parking lots. Always park your car 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 car. Try to walk to and from your car 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 automated gate at home, but if you have to get out of the car to manually open the gate, take the key with you if the children are in the car. 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 car 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.
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• A helping hand: These days a vehicle tracking service can offer much more than stolen vehicle recovery. There are many different types of vehicle tracking devices and add on services that offer greater care and protection for 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 car.
Press release: Lydia Luvhengo – Meropa
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