JOBURG – ADT and the National Hijack Prevention Academy have offered advice on how to respond if hijacked.
“Statistics indicate that children are seldom taken in hijackings – in fact, it only happens in six out of 24 000 cases,” says founder of the academy, Richard Brussow.
Women travelling with children should have the eldest child seated behind the driver and the younger child in the left back seat.
Clive Humphrey, managing director of ADT Security Central Region, explains this, “If you are hijacked while your children are in the car, climb out of the vehicle slowly and move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door. Place one foot firmly in the car, on the floor behind the driver’s seat, as you lean across to retrieve the youngest child. The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can get both children out of the car at once. Remember to stay as calm as possible. If the hijackers panic and the vehicle starts moving before you have your children out of the car, your firm footing in the vehicle will throw your body weight into the car with your children.”
What to do if you are hijacked:
– The golden rule: Do not antagonise the hijackers. Show them you are not a threat.
– Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender.
– Use your left arm to undo your seat belt and put your vehicle in neutral. Using your right arm to undo your seat belt or unlock the door can be misconstrued as you reaching for a gun.
– Do not turn off your vehicle.
– Get out slowly and angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on. Protect your head with your arms and lift your shoulders to protect your neck.
– Do not turn your back on the hijackers. Your organs are most exposed from behind.
– Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers but still try to take in what they are wearing and the sound of their voices.
