As with most things in life, it is always important to remain alert and aware when you are driving to and from your residence. You can make a massive and positive difference to your safety by simply being aware of what is happening around your vehicle.
“As a responsible driver you must remove all distractions and to keep 100% of your attention on the road, other road users, and on the safe operation of the vehicle you are driving,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity Services Group.
Research published by insurance body MiWay recently stated the most common area where hijackings took place was at home, in the driveway. This lined up with information that Crime SA developed that pointed to an estimated 71% of car hijackings occurring in driveways.
“Basic personal safety habits can go a long way to preventing a hijacking from happening in your driveway. We hope these tips can help you and your family be safe, and we suggest that you also share them with other family members or friends for when they drive to and from home,” says Hattingh.
- Who is following you? Keep checking the rear-view mirror for any vehicles that might be following you. If you see a suspicious vehicle behind you, drive past your gate and circle the block. If they are still behind you, drive to the nearest police station immediately.
- Check the street before opening the gate. Do not open your garage door or your sliding gate until you check that there are no vehicles loitering in your street.
- Break your routine. Criminals often rely on predictable behaviour and patterns. If you vary your routines to and from work or the road you take to the shops, you make it more difficult for them to plan a hijacking.
- Confirm your arrival time. Let your family members at home know when you are due to arrive home so that they can immediately raise the alarm in case your arrival is delayed for whatever reason.
“In the sad situation where you do become a victim of a hijacking, it is critical to remain calm and to comply with instructions. Try to notice as much information as you can about the hijackers and the backup car they might be using,” says Hattingh.
“Speak to your insurance provider about the vehicle tracking device they recommend. This could help you in the safe and quick recovery of your vehicle.”
