For the past three years, car hijackings have significantly increased, so much so that the criminal act is now more prevalent than vehicle theft. According to the latest crime report released by Police Minister Bheki Cele, car hijackings have increased by almost 5%!
Over the years, we have pretty much learned the modus operandi used by hijackers. Most hijackings occur in driveways of residential areas because of the accessible escape routes in these areas. They also take place while stationed at a traffic sign or intersection. A much recent tactic that criminals have been using is dressing up as Traffic and Police Offers and using vehicles with blue lights to conduct hijackings.
While it may not always be possible to prevent a hijacking, practising defensive driving techniques could help keep you safe.
What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving means protecting yourself from more than just other motorists on the road. It is about not only being reactive but being proactive as a driver. Drivers with defensive driving skills think ahead and anticipate possible scenarios to avoid incidents or accidents before they happen.
5 Defensive driving tips to protect yourself against car hijacking:
- Always remain vigilant.
- Put your phone away and pay attention, especially at robots.
- Maintain a distance between you and other cars. The gap you create will help to enable you to make an emergency escape should the need arise.
- Always check your rear-view mirror and watch for suspicious driving or any car that could be following you.
- Consider investing in a defensive driving course.
In addition to these tips, also make sure to NEVER, ever give hitchhikers or strangers a lift. If you spot a suspicious-looking person near your car while it’s unoccupied, walk to the nearest public area to ask for help instead of approaching the vehicle. Lastly, if you encounter obstacles such as rocks and tyres, or someone lying on the road you are driving on, these potentially could be ploys to get you out of the car so the hijackers can drive off with it. It is advisable not to get out of the vehicle when in such a situation. Reverse and drive away in the opposite direction instead. Once you get to a place of safety, call the appropriate authorities who have the equipment and training to deal with an emergency and alert them of the person lying on the road in case they are injured.
