Stay Safe on the Roads: Essential Tips to Avoid Hijackings

In recent years, hijacking incidents in South Africa have surged, particularly in key urban areas such as Gauteng, the country's economic powerhouse. Gauteng is known for its high level of wealth and industrial activity, but this also attracts criminal elements, including hijackers. With carjackings on the rise, particularly at on- and off-ramps of major highways, it's essential to stay vigilant and take preventive measures to safeguard yourself and your vehicle. This article outlines crucial safety tips to help you reduce the risk of falling victim to such crimes.

Understanding the Threat Landscape

Recent data reveals alarming trends in hijackings across various provinces in South Africa, with Gauteng, the Western Cape, and North West experiencing significant increases in carjacking incidents. In Gauteng alone, hijackings accounted for over half of the total number of carjackings nationwide during a recent reporting period. As criminal activity in this region escalates, it becomes increasingly important to know how to protect yourself while driving, particularly in areas identified as hotspots for hijackings.

Hijacking Hotspots

Certain areas in South Africa are more prone to hijackings due to their economic significance and dense traffic patterns. On-ramps and off-ramps of busy highways are frequently targeted by hijackers due to the congestion and limited movement options for drivers. Specific techniques like the “tap tap” method are becoming more common, wherein criminals intentionally bump into your vehicle to lure you out, then steal your car when you stop to inspect the damage.

Practical Safety Tips to Prevent Hijackings

While you cannot always predict when or where a crime will occur, adopting certain habits and precautions can significantly reduce your risk. Here are practical safety tips that can help protect you from hijacking incidents:

1. Stay Alert and Vigilant

- Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly when approaching intersections, stop signs, or on- and off-ramps. These areas are commonly targeted by criminals due to the natural slow-down in traffic.

- Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone or focusing too much on the radio or other in-car activities. Criminals often take advantage of distracted drivers who are less likely to notice unusual behaviour around them.

2. Plan Your Routes Carefully

- Use Well-Lit and Busy Roads: Whenever possible, plan your routes to take you through well-lit, busy areas. Hijackers prefer targeting vehicles in secluded spots with low visibility, so stick to main roads, especially at night.

- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Familiarise yourself with local hijacking hotspots and high-crime areas. Avoid these zones if possible, especially during peak traffic hours when movement is limited.

3. Keep Your Car Locked and Windows Up

- Lock All Doors: Always keep your doors locked while driving. Hijackers often try to exploit moments when drivers are stopped at traffic lights or intersections to quickly enter the car.

- Keep Windows Closed: Keeping your windows slightly open or fully down can provide easy access for criminals to either grab personal belongings or force you out of the car. To stay safe, always keep your windows closed, especially in high-traffic areas.

4. Avoid Stopping for Minor Accidents

- Be Cautious of 'Tap Tap' Tactics: One of the most common tactics used by hijackers is intentionally bumping into your car to get you to stop. If you are involved in a minor accident, especially in a suspicious area, avoid stopping immediately. Instead, drive to a safe, well-populated area, such as a petrol station or police station, before assessing the situation.

- Assess the Situation First: Before exiting your vehicle, assess the surrounding area for any unusual behaviour. If something feels off, stay in your car, lock the doors, and call for help.

5. Limit Night Driving

- Drive During Daylight: Although hijackings can occur at any time, data shows that driving during the day significantly reduces your risk. Avoid travelling during late-night or early-morning hours when fewer people are on the roads and there is less traffic.

- Utilise Safe Parking Areas: When parking your car, opt for well-lit, secure areas such as monitored parking lots or garages. Avoid leaving your car in areas with poor lighting or minimal foot traffic.

6. Be Cautious at Traffic Stops

- Leave Space Between Cars: At traffic lights or in congested traffic, always leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you the ability to quickly move away if you sense danger or notice suspicious activity.

- Scan Your Surroundings: Regularly check your rear-view mirrors and keep an eye on pedestrians and other vehicles around you. Hijackers often approach cars from behind or the side when you are stopped at a light.

7. Make Use of Security Services

- Mamba Security: Consider enlisting the help of professional security services like Mamba Security. With trained personnel and advanced response systems, security services provide an additional layer of protection, particularly in areas prone to crime.

- Install a Vehicle Tracker: Installing a vehicle tracking system can help authorities recover your car if it is stolen. Additionally, some systems allow for remote immobilisation, which could prevent hijackers from driving the vehicle too far.

8. Avoid Routine

- Vary Your Routes: Criminals often study the routines of their potential victims, particularly those who drive the same route every day at the same time. By varying your routes and travel times, you reduce the likelihood of being targeted by individuals looking for an opportunity.

- Don’t Set Predictable Patterns: In addition to changing your driving routes, avoid stopping at the same petrol stations, shops, or parking spots at the same time each day.

9. Secure Your Vehicle

- Park in Secure Locations: When possible, park in secure parking areas with CCTV surveillance or guards. In less secure locations, park close to entrances or areas with high foot traffic to deter potential criminals.

- Invest in Anti-Theft Devices: In addition to factory-installed immobilisers, consider additional anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, alarms, and tracking systems. These devices make it more difficult for criminals to hijack or steal your vehicle.

10. What to Do if You Are Hijacked

- Stay Calm: If you find yourself in a hijacking situation, the most important thing is to remain calm. Avoid sudden movements or actions that could provoke the hijackers.

- Comply with the Hijackers: Your life is more valuable than any vehicle. If hijackers demand that you hand over your car, comply without argument. Do not resist or try to negotiate.

- Get to Safety: After the incident, get to a safe location as quickly as possible and contact the authorities. Report the crime and provide as much detail as possible, including the location, description of the hijackers, and the direction in which they fled.

The Importance of Vigilance

With hijacking incidents on the rise, particularly in urban areas, vigilance is critical. By staying alert and following these safety tips, you can reduce your risk and protect yourself from becoming a victim of carjacking. Always remember that safety should be your top priority—whether it's by avoiding risky areas, using professional security services, or staying calm during a crisis.

Taking proactive steps to secure your vehicle and adopting safe driving habits can make a significant difference in your personal safety. Always be prepared and vigilant on the roads, and ensure that you know what to do in case of an emergency.

By implementing these measures, you can help safeguard yourself and your vehicle, making you less vulnerable to criminal activities. Stay safe, and make your security a priority—on and off the road.

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