How to avoid being hijacked

WITH over 20000 vehicle hijackings taking place in South Africa each year, — approximately 60 a day — remaining vigilant is a survival strategy.

- JASON WOOSEY

About half of all hijackings take place in Gauteng, with a higher percentage reported on Fridays between 4pm and 8pm, according to Tracker.

Paying attention to your surroundings and avoiding behaviours that make you a target can be instrumental in reducing your risk of being hijacked, according to experts. It’s also important to know what to do in the unfortunate event that you are approached by hijackers.

70% of hijackings take place in driveways

Be vigilant while returning home, looking out for any cars that appear to be following you. If you do suspect this, drive around the block again to see if they are following you, advises Eugene Herbert, the CEO of Master-Drive. If they are on your tail, drive to a place you deem safe, such as a busy shopping area with security and cameras.

Avoid coming to a dead stop in your driveway if there are other vehicles in the vicinity, Herbert says. This may be impossible if you live on a busy road, but that it could probably lower your risk in any case.

If your gate is automatic, stop in the road parallel to the gate, if possible, to give yourself an escape route. Once the gate is open, turn in, stop on the other side of the gate, and wait for it to close.