According to a News24 article of 3 February 2019, an average of 45 cars were hijacked every day in South Africa.1 By the end of 2022, this average had jumped to 63 vehicles per day.2 Based on these statistics, it’s vital that motorists should what to do if they fall victim to a hijacking.1,2
Don’t Try And Save Your Car During A Hijack
You can always replace your car but not yourself. So, avoid any attempt to prevent a hijacking from happening. You’ll enjoy peace of mind when you know you have car insurance.1
To avoid any misunderstandings with the hijackers, calmly and slowly conduct the following steps. 1
As The Driver, Raise Both Hands Immediately
As soon as you are in the middle of a hijacking. Straightaway lift both hands and ensure they are outstretched to show you’re not holding anything. Such a move does not threaten the hijacker(s) .1
Place Your Left Thumb Under The Safety Belt
Any procedure must be done slowly because you don’t want to cause the hijacker to pull the trigger because of any jerky movements. With both hands still raised, slowly reach for your seat belt with the left hand and rest the belt above your left thumb, that way your left hand is still raised. 1
Pull The Safety Belt Forward
With all fingers still spread to show you are not holding anything, pull the safety belt towards the dashboard with your left thumb. 1
Place Your Right Hand Underneath The Safety Belt
Slowly move your right hand and support the outstretched safety belt, allowing it to go over your right wrist. With the right thumb now under the outstretched safety belt and still held high, slowly move your left hand down to the buckle and loosen the safety belt. Then slowly pull up the handbrake and put the gear in neutral or ‘park’. 1
Open The Car Door
With your right hand still raised, slowly open the car door with your left hand. Some reports say that hijackers may open the door for you. Remember to leave the key in the ignition. 1
Leaving The Car
Exit the car with both arms held up and head bowed down. Importantly, allow the hijackers to enter the car and drive off. Keep reminding yourself that you have car insurance. 1
What About Any Passengers?
Passengers should leave the car via the same door you used to show the hijacker is in control. 1
How Can You Prevent Hijacking?
Stay alert at all times! Seeing that most hijackings occur when you arrive at your home, make sure no car is following you. As an extra safety measure, clear your entrance of any bushes hijackers could use as a hiding place. 1
Disclaimer
This article aims to show you what to do when you are being hijacked. 1
Having adequate car cover should you ever be hijacked is crucial. Imagine having no insurance and still having to pay off a new car you no longer have. Come and experience our world-class client service while we at PMD show you all you need to know about our affordable car insurance. You’ll enjoy our unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Contact a certified financial advisor for professional advice to avoid purchasing the wrong financial services product.
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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.
Advice on Hijack Prevention and Safety Awareness https://t.co/VQzfL36yi0 #ArriveAlive #Hijacking #CarJacking #crime pic.twitter.com/5xJnwxCFcj
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 4, 2023