What to do and not to do to prevent hijackings

Louis Grobler of Security in Practice (SIP) has warned the community to keep their eyes peeled and ears open when travelling in a motor vehicle.

While the basic safety rules include keeping your car locked at all times, closing your window when at a traffic light and not leaving your purse on the front seat, criminals have become smarter, quicker and more violent.

Therefore, one never can be too careful and be extra vigilant when driving.

What are the rules?

Do’s:

• Leave enough room between your car and the one in front to prevent being boxed in. Make sure you can see where the wheels of the other car make contact with the road.

• Remain in your car if it is hit from behind. Inspect any damage only once you are sure it is not a hijack attempt.

• Attract the attention of other motorists or pedestrians if you think you are in danger. You can use the hooter, flash your lights, switch on your emergency lights or shout.

• Be aware of anybody who approaches your car or is loitering near traffic lights, stop streets, parking areas or your driveway.

• Constantly monitor what vehicles are travelling behind, ahead of and next to you. More than one vehicle could be involved and they could be setting a trap to stop you. If you are suspicious of vehicles around you, take (responsible) action to get out of the situation.

• If you suspect that you are being followed, you ideally should drive to the nearest police station. If this is not possible, drive to another safe place but don’t go home.

• If approached by a suspicious-looking person, especially at night or in deserted areas, drive off quickly from a stop street or intersection, always heeding traffic danger. Skipping a stop sign or red light remains an offence and the onus is on you to prove that your action was in self-defence.

• At unusual or unexpected roadblocks, keep windows closed and doors locked and ask for the police or traffic officer’s identity card. Show your identity document to them through the window. Trust works both ways. The same goes for being stopped by traffic officers at speed traps.

• On long journeys only stop at safe places overnight. Parking next to the road or in a parking area overnight is not safe.

• Report any suspicious-looking strangers and vehicles to the police. Give a description of the occupants and their vehicle.

• Always travel with the car doors locked.

• Keep all windows closed or, at most, open so that a hand will not fit through.

Don’ts:

• Don’t stop at the scene of an accident unless you are convinced it is genuine. Accidents can be set up in the hope that you will stop to assist. Sometimes a “body” is placed next to the road. Rather drive on and report the incident at the nearest police station. Slowing down too much also may make you vulnerable.

• Don’t enter your garage or a parking area if you believe you are being followed. Drive to the nearest police station.

• Don’t stop if, for example, a passer-by indicates that your car has a flat tyre or other defect. Drive to the nearest service station or safe area and check it there. It is a good idea to carry a product that temporarily seals any puncture and inflates the tyre.

• Don’t tell strangers about your movements or plans.

• Don’t pick up hitchhikers or strangers.

• Don’t leave your car door open and the engine running while opening your garage door or gates – criminals can act quicker than you’d expect.

• Don’t be distracted by people handing out flyers at intersections or buy items such as flowers and newspapers from unfamiliar vendors.