Advice on Preventing Hijackings
It may be one of the most terrifying situations for any motorist to experience. To be hijacked not only involves losing your car, which you may still be paying off, but your very own life and those of your loved ones are under threat.
Hijackings particularly peak during the holiday season, and according to blog.suzukiauto.co.za,1 it is advisable to go on a hijacking prevention course. Many of us may be unprepared when faced with the ever-increasing danger of being hijacked. So it pays for drivers and passengers to pay attention to the following anti-hijack safety tips.1
Keep alert to your surroundings1
Avoid distraction at all costs, otherwise you may drive straight into a trap. Be vigilant to cars driving close to you or following you, as hijackers usually follow motorists to their home. If you are in doubt, drive to the closest police station or public place such as a garage.
Have a panic button installed in your car1
Many vehicle tracking companies also provide their clients with a panic button, which alerts the service providers straightaway. Several insurers require these systems to be installed, while possibly offering the customer a discount in the process. Think about how useful this is – just pressing a button instead of trying to make a frantic phone call.
Where are you exposed to the greatest danger?1
Criminals capitalize when motorists are most relaxed; in their own yard and driveway and thus not alert to any danger.
Remove any hiding place1
You may love that pretty shrub outside your gate, but it is also an ideal hiding place for criminals. Remove anything that could provide them with cover.
Stick to certain procedures1
Before leaving your home, always check if everything looks fine outside. When you come home during the day or night, make sure that no one has been following you. At night, always stop in the street first before surveying the area so that you can speed off if necessary. Criminals can trap you by parking behind you.
Prepare your loved ones1
Should you have young children, preferably attend a professional anti-hijack course so that you can teach your children what to do if they are in that position.
How can you stay calm?1
It’s important to note the fact that criminals want your car and not you or your kids. By staying calm and cooperating it mitigates the risk of being injured.
Release your car1
Make up in your mind beforehand so that you are prepared to give away your car. Yes, you are still paying it off, and it cost you a lot, but you can always replace it later with a similar car especially if you have sufficient car insurance cover. You will never be able to replace your children or yourself. After you’ve given the keys, start walking away slowly from them, avoiding eye contact, and any form of agitation.
What do you do when you spot rocks in the road?1
If you spot any obstacles on the road, try to stop in time and immediately reverse if possible. If you’ve hit some obstacles, drive on slowly if the car still feels fine. Avoid stopping and getting out of your car to check for any damage or try and remove any obstacles out of the way.
What can happen in a potential hijack situation is that your car gets damaged by hitting some obstacles such as tyres or rocks lying on the road. Are you sure you are adequately covered for that particular scenario? Contact PMD and discover more about their affordable car insurance products with unique perks such as premiums that never increase* and a reduce to zero excess*? T’s and C’s apply.
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Source:
1https://blog.suzukiauto.co.za/blog/11-anti-hijacking-tips-you-need-to-send-to-your-family
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