Hijacking is rapidly becoming the leading type of vehicle crime in South Africa.
According to crime statistics released by the South African Police Service last month, 5 455 hijackings were reported from October to December 2021.
This translates to 13,8% more incidents than were reported over the same period in 2020.
“To reduce your chances of becoming a hijacking statistic, it is important to stay alert when you are behind the wheel,” says Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner of the insurance company King Price.
He believes people can decrease their chances of being hijacked by following five simple tips.
- Be careful that you are not being followed. One of the most common places to be hijacked is in your own driveway. If you suspect that you are being followed, do not turn into your driveway. Instead, keep driving. If the car stays behind you, drive straight to the nearest police station. Even if there is no one around you when approaching your house, pull up parallel to the road while the gate is opening. By doing this, you will have some space to get away if you see a suspicious vehicle approaching.
- Watch out for cars appearing to slow down for no reason. There is an increasing trend of hijackers stopping suddenly on a highway offramp or busy street, forcing you to stop as well. When you stop, they take your car at gunpoint. Another modus operandi is for the hijackers to bump into your car from behind, forcing you to pull over and assess the damage.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not check your messages or fiddle with the car radio when at an intersection or traffic light. Stay alert to what is happening around you, and watch out for any potential threats. Keep your windows closed and your doors locked, and leave enough room in the traffic to avoid getting boxed in.
- Make sure your car insurance cover is up to date and that you do what is required of you. Check whether your policy offers emergency assistance, and be sure to save the emergency number on your phone for quick access.
- Do not be the hero. If a hijack does occur, give up your car and your possessions without a fight. Move slowly, keep your hands visible and refrain from looking directly at the hijackers. If you have children in the car, tell the hijacker that you are going to take a few seconds to get them out safely. Do not get involved in verbal or physical altercations. Your life is far more valuable than any of your earthly possessions.
