Nothing can quite prepare one for the trauma of a hijacking, however, there are a few things one could do in the event of a hijacking, particularly when you have children with you.

Statistics indicate that children are seldom taken in hijackings (six out of 24 000 cases), however, there is no harm in being prepared. Follow these tips to remain safe.

 How to avoid hijackings

• Be vigilant when pulling out of your driveway or coming home – the majority of all hijackings occur close to home.

• If you suspect you are being followed, slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home to force the vehicle behind you to pass.
• If you have an electric gate, do not pull into your driveway before opening the gate. Rather open your gate while your car is still in the road to allow a quick getaway if necessary.
• If your child is in the car, take the key with you as you stop to open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – the criminals want your car and you want your child.
• Don’t fall for the “tap tap” trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic. Never get out of your car to assess the damage but rather drive to a busy location or the nearest police station. Signal to the other driver to follow you. If it is not legitimate they will seldom follow you.

What to do if you are hijacked

• The first and golden rule: Don’t antagonise the hijackers. Show them you are not a threat.

• Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon.
• Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral.

• Do not turn off your car.

• If you are hijacked while your children are in the car, climb out of the vehicle slowly and tell the hijackers calmly that you need to take your children out. (Remember that the eldest child should always be seated behind the driver and the younger child to the left). Move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door. Place one foot firmly in the car, on the floor behind the driver’s seat, as you lean across to retrieve the youngest child. The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can get both children out of the car at once.

• Stay calm. If the hijackers panic and the vehicle starts moving before you have your children out of the car, your firm footing in the vehicle will throw your body weight into the car with your children, as opposed to you being left behind and the hijackers speeding off with your children.
• Do not turn your back on the hijackers – your organs are most exposed from the back.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers.

Stay safe on the roads. And remember that Indwe Risk Services will help you find the right insurance for your vehicles and belongings. Speak to a consultant today to ensure you are covered when you need it most. Phone us on 0860 13 13 14.