Essential Safety Tips for Secure and Vigilant Driving
According to SAPS (the South African Police Service), statistics in its 2022/2023 annual report show that for the second quarter of the year, from 1 January to 31 March 2023, 5,119 cars were hijacked in three months.
This poses the critical question: how can we better equip our drivers to fend off hijackings?
Ensuring your safety and the security of your vehicle should be a top priority every time you hit the road. With the increasing incidents of hijacking and theft, it's crucial to adopt stringent safety measures.
Here are a few safety tips when you are in these difficult situations.
1. Secure Your Vehicle:
Always keep your car doors locked and windows fully closed. Valuables should never be visible to onlookers who pass by; instead, store them securely, preferably in the boot. Cell phones should be kept discreetly, and handbags should be packed away from sight.
2. Maintain Focus While Driving:
Distractions can be fatal. It's vital to stay focused on the road and avoid getting side-tracked by your phone, passengers, or any external factor that might reduce your vigilance.
3. Heighten Alertness in Vulnerable Spots: Areas like driveways, traffic lights, and garages are hotspots for criminal activities. Stay vigilant in these zones, watching for suspicious individuals, vehicles, or loiterers.
4. Be Wary of Strangers:
Exercise caution when approached by people seeking directions, especially in parking areas. It's often a tactic used to catch drivers off guard.
5. React Promptly to Suspicious Activity:
If a stranger approaches your car while stationary, drive away swiftly if it's safe. Should someone flag a supposed issue with your vehicle while you're going, don't stop immediately. Instead, proceed to a populated and safe area before checking.
6. Trust Your Instincts:
If you need help with your car, take your time with roadside assistance from other motorists. Head straight to a safe location and use your phone to contact emergency services.
7. Counteract Being Followed:
Regularly check your surroundings to ensure you're not being tailed. If you suspect you are, drive to the nearest police station or a crowded area. Avoid isolated streets and locales.
8. Handle Hijacking Situations Wisely:
In the unfortunate event of a hijacking, keep calm. Do not provoke or challenge the hijackers, especially if they are armed. Remember, your life is infinitely more valuable than any material possession.
9. Swiftly Distance Yourself After an Incident:
Once out of the hijacking scenario, put as much distance as possible between yourself and the perpetrators. Contact emergency services at your earliest convenience.
As a driver, it's best to sharpen, learn and add more tools to yourself so you are fully equipped in various situations that could compromise one's safety; if we have those much-needed skills, we will feel competent enough when faced with those unforeseen circumstances.
One can investigate more about these skill sets by heading to the National Hijack Prevention Academy. https://www.hijack.co.za/#courses