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.
This is according to Vassie Logan Thevan from National Driver Development, who added that hijackers are merciless criminals who will prey on the unprepared and the ignorant.
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“Unless one is specially trained to react effectively in dangerous situations, one’s normal reactions are shock and paralysis,” he said.
“If you intend to defend yourself in a potentially dangerous situation you must prepare yourself psychologically and have the knowledge and confidence to act correctly.”
There were, he said, two types of hijacking – planned, and spontaneous.
* Planned hijacking – the hijacker has inside information about the movement of the vehicle and executes the attack using this information.
* Spontaneous hijacking – the hijacker is an opportunist. He moves around by car or on foot and awaits a potential victim. The hijacker is observant, notices every detail and, very importantly, is familiar with his surroundings. He analyses the available information in a split second and then decides whether to attack or not.
These observations could include noticing that the diver is negligent; seeing valuables clearly visible in the vehicle; doors unlocked and windows ajar; driver has no escape route available; the driver is lost and looking for directions; the driver has not noticed him; the driver cannot drive properly and is uncertain; the possible target vehicle is sandwiched between two larger vehicles; driver not paying attention to surroundings while stationary at a traffic light; the driver is distracted.
He had these safety tips to offer:
* Be pro-active. Identify potential threats and avoid them instead of waiting for the threat to materialise. Prevention is better than cure.
* Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy at all times.
* Keep valuables out of sight.
* Lock all doors when you get in or out – have keys ready to do this quickly.
* Keep windows wound up with just a small gap for fresh air.
* Plan your route, identify alternative routes and 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 can be prevented and avoided by using 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 at or stare at the hijacker. At this point you have to decide whether to resist. If you have had no formal training and are not equipped to resist, then do not resist.
Listen to all directions and instructions carefully, give up the vehicle freely, keep your hands up. Make no sudden movements and tell the hijacker of any movements you intend to make, such as undoing the seat belt. Co-operate with the hijacker 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.
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