MANY people go about their regular driving activity on auto-pilot – without much awareness or consideration for what is going on around them.
If you have children in the car, it’s imperative that you do not become complacent and that you are more aware of the safety hazards around you – particularly since hijackers and other criminals are becoming brazen and, wherever the opportunity presents itself, are taking advantage of unsuspecting drivers.
Be prepared
Much like life insurance and funeral policies, we do not want to think about negative circumstances, but it is necessary for you to know what to do in the event of a hijacking, particularly if you have children with you.
Vacating the driver’s seat while the children are still buckled in at the back leaves too great an opportunity for the hijacker to move into the seat and drive away before your children are safely out.
A young child’s car seat should be positioned so that the driver can easily reach back and unbuckle the child, then lift the child to the front and exit the car together.
Plan ahead
Know what you are going to do in the event of being hijacked and discuss it with your children if they are old enough to understand.
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 at once.
Be safe
Ensure you are aware of your surroundings at all times, whether driving or walking to and from your car. In public spaces, put your cell phone away and be present with your children so that you do not get pinpointed as an easy target.
Easy access
It is always better to have an electric 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’.
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