- Be vigilant of your environment. Keep your eyes open for any suspicions people around and avoid hotspot areas as far as possible.
- Avoid distractions and hide temptations. Not only is it illegal to be on your phone while driving, but it also makes you a target for hijackings. Also ensure that your radio is not to loud, as this by itself can also be a distraction. Don’t drive around with expensive goods visible to the public, rather place them in the boot of your vehicle.
- Keep your car in a good running order. If your vehicle breaks down on a highway or any other dangerous road, you might become a victim of a hijacking. Keeping your vehicle in a good running order is way cheaper than having to replace it, or even worse, losing your life.
- Memorise your home environment. It is important that you are aware of the type of vehicles the people drive in your immediate neighbourhood. When you on your way home, be aware of who is driving behind you, and if the vehicle looks suspicious, continue driving to make sure that you are not a target. If needed, drive directly to the nearest police station.
- Be driveway wise. When you drive up onto your driveway, be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious people. When you leave your vehicle, may it be to open your garage door, or any other reason, do not keep your keys in the car, switch of the engine and take your keys with you. Once you are inside the garage, do not fiddle around, immediately close the garage door.
- Be freeway wise. Hijackers place huge stones or throw nails on the roads surface to damage your vehicle, forcing you to stop. Always be aware of what is on the road while driving. If you do drive over any objects, try not to stop immediately. Drive on for as long as you can. Rather damage your vehicle than lose your life!
A few more tips:
- Don’t stop for anyone, unless you know them.
- Take different routes daily.
- Drive with your seatbelt on.
- Always lock your doors while driving.
