As we all know, prevention is better than cure, but in order to prevent a hijacking situation one needs to be equipped with the correct information. 

Kevin Smith, a hijack prevention trainer at the Volkswagen Driving Academy, said that the greatest weapon in a hijacker’s arsenal is not his gun, but the belief that it will not happen to us.

Hijacking is a reality and you need to be prepared by understanding the cunning methods used by hijackers. These include:

• Pretending to be a stranded motorist
• Faking a rear-end collision or deliberately getting involved in an accident with the victim
• Throwing an object through an open window of a vehicle
• Deflating a tyre or removing a number plate so that when the driver of the vehicle is signaled, they respond to the ‘good Samaritan’s’ notice by stopping
• Placing sharp objects behind or in front of car tyres; the hijacker will then follow the driver until he stops to change the punctured/flat tyre
• Approaching the victim while he is stopped at a traffic light /stop sign/ yield sign
• Approaching a victim in car parks, private driveways and apartment complex parking lots
• Waiting for a driver to arrive at or leave their place of employment
• Accosting a driver who is waiting for someone, such as parents collecting children at sports events, etc.

You can avoid these tactics by:

• Being on the look out for people standing near your gate or driveway and ensuring that the area around your gate or driveway is well lit
• Phoning ahead to give a relative or friend your expected time of arrival
• Getting to know your neighbours and the cars they drive. This will help to identify any uncommon vehicles in your area.
• Adopting a search pattern radius to scout before approaching your home
• Looking out for vehicles, which may be following you or trying to box you in while driving
• Planning an escape route and keeping this route open
• Adjusting your speed when approaching a traffic light so that you do not have to come to a complete stop
• Using your horn to draw attention to yourself if you are approached
• Keeping your car keys on hand when approaching your vehicle, do not fumble in your handbag as this shows you are off guard
• Staying alert while loading or off-loading groceries
• Changing your driving route and routines
• Looking out for any suspicious objects near your car before getting in
• When parking, reverse park for a quick exit

There are also seven golden rules to follow if you are held up:

• Remain calm
• Do not argue
• Do not make sudden gestures
• Avoid eye contact but try to remember what the carjacker looked like by identifying and remembering special features
• Comply with the hijackers directions (within reason)
• Try and get away from the area as quickly as possible
• Don’t be a hero – your life is worth more than your car!