In a high-stress situation like a hijacking, your child or children are your top priority. Keeping them safe is a process that starts long before the hijacking even takes place, and clear communication is what really counts when things start happening. We’ve got tips on keeping your child safe if your car is forcibly taken while they’re with you.
Children need to be made aware that abductions are a real danger, so communicating this to them is the first step to keeping them safe. Teach them what situations to avoid. Also make sure they can recite important information about themselves if they get lost; their full names, address, parents’ names and important phone numbers.
The best way to keep children safe is to establish a strong bond of trust. Tell them that honesty is the most important thing and that nothing they tell you will be used against them if they’re completely transparent. Be honest with them about what strangers can and can’t do with regards to touching, talking and general behaviour.
During a hijacking with children, stay calm, keep your hands visible, and assertively inform the assailants that you are removing your child.
A hijacking might be about to happen if you notice random obstructions on the road or if you see a suspiciously parked car on the side of the road. If you notice you’re being followed, this can also be a warning sign. Also be cautious about driving past fender-benders, as these are sometimes staged to make you slow down and gawk.
City areas are the most targeted by hijackers. They also prefer to steal cars when traffic is high because this means cars are forced to drive slower and stop often. Areas like central areas within Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban are where syndicates operate most often.
Don’t scream, shout or swear during a hijacking—staying calm will help you maintain a clear head. Also don’t look at the assailants, but keep your head down. Move away from the hijackers as best you can, but avoid going behind them where they can’t see you. Also keep your hands up at all times as a no-threat gesture.
The safest placement for a child's car seat is either in the center of the backseat or directly behind the driver's seat for quick emergency access.
Remove the youngest or least mobile child first, and instruct all older siblings to exit out of the exact same door behind you.
State clearly and assertively, 'I am taking my child.' Do not ask for permission, shout, or negotiate.
Cartrack can track & recover your vehicle if it’s been hijacked. This is an invaluable service if hijackers take your car with your child still inside. We also have the Protector add-on to our app for a very small fee, which allows you to hit a panic button after a hijacking to get over-the-phone advice and to start the recovery process. Finally, Cartrack offers hardwired panic buttons that can be hidden under your seat.
Hijackers want to slow you down and distract you. To do this, they might stage an accident, leave obstructions on the road or simply cut you off and hit the brakes. One of the most common methods is to wait outside your driveway and hijack you as soon as you leave your property.
