Crime is always around us, and even locking the door at home doesn't guarantee that you won't be a victim. However, there are ways to reduce your chances of becoming a victim, and more often than not, vigilance and awareness of the situation can be decisive factors in your safety. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of hijacking:
Keep the doors locked at all times.
Close all windows, or at most do not open more than a width that can accommodate one hand.
Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front to avoid getting caught in the middle.
If you get into an accident, stay in the car. Check for damage only after you are sure that this is not a hijacking attempt.
If you think you are in danger, get the attention of other motorists or pedestrians. You can use the horn, flash your headlights, turn on your emergency lights, or shout.
Watch out for anyone approaching your car or wandering near traffic lights, stop signs, parking lots, or driveways.
Constantly monitor vehicles moving behind, in front, and next to you. There may be multiple cars involved, and they may be setting traps to stop you. If you suspect vehicles around you, take (responsible) steps to get out of the situation.
If you suspect that you are being followed, you should preferably drive to the nearest police station. If that's not possible, drive to another safe place, but don't go home.
If approached by suspicious people, especially at night or in a quiet place, quickly drive away from stop signs or intersections, but always be aware of traffic hazards. Keep in mind that skipping stop signs or red lights is still a violation of the law, and it is your responsibility to prove that your actions were in self-defense.
At unusual or unexpected road checkpoints, keep your windows closed and doors locked, and ask for identification from a police officer or traffic officer. Show them your identification through the car window. Trust goes both ways. The same is true when speed traps are stopped by traffic officials.
On long trips, only spend the night in a safe place, not on the side of the road or in a parking lot.
Report any suspicious strangers and vehicles to the police. Provide a description of the occupants and their vehicles.
Do not stop at the scene of an accident unless you are convinced that it is real. The accident may have been set up to lure you into parking. Sometimes "corpses" are placed on the side of the road. Instead, keep driving and report the incident at the nearest police station. Slowing down too much can also put you at risk.
If you think you're being followed, don't enter a garage or parking lot. Drive to the nearest police station.
Do not stop if passers-by signal that your tires are flat or other defects. Drive to the nearest service station or a safe place for inspection. It is a good idea to carry a product that can temporarily seal the tire and inflate it.
Don't reveal your whereabouts or plans to strangers.
Not carrying hitchhikers or unknown passengers, even if they are women with children, can be a trap.
When opening a garage door or gate, don't let the car door open, the engine runs, and the criminals can move faster than you expect.
Don't get distracted by people handing out flyers at intersections or buying items like flowers and newspapers from strange vendors.
By providing our services, we feel a responsibility to advise and assist all South Africans to prevent them from becoming statistics. If you can remember any advice we give you, we hope it's "Is it worth it?" Remember this phrase and you will remember the impact it has, whether it is road safety issues or overall behavior on the road. When you sit behind the wheel, you should ask yourself the following questions: Is it worth driving into the house without looking around? Is it worth it to leave the windows open too wide? Is it worth overtaking on an uphill section with poor visibility? Be careful outside, be vigilant, protect yourself and your family, and ask yourself if it's worth it?
