What To Do In A
Carjacking
Carjacking is a fact of life in many parts of the world.
Many can be avoided. What should you do if faced with this situation?
Before a carjacking occurs, the bad guys are looking for an
easy victim. What does an easy victim look like? You are sitting at a stop
light, with the windows open, and you are talking on a cell phone. This sounds
like many of us every day. Ease of access and distractions make you an easy
target. Limit your vulnerability. Roll up your windows and lock your doors
while driving in densely populated areas.
If someone approaches your vehicle, do not open your car window
or door. If a police officer wants to talk to you, they will be more than happy
to provide identification. READ IT. There are official looking badges available
on the internet. If it is not a police officer remember there are lots of sad
stories made up to lure you into opening your door or window. You do not have
to engage anyone in a conversation. Talk through your closed window and do not
get out of your car.
Before you get into your car, look inside and see if anyone
is in the back seat or in the passenger side. If you find anyone there, get
away as fast as you can. NEVER GET INTO A VEHICLE WITH A BAD GUY. If the bad
guy has a gun, run and weave from side to side. A moving target is very hard to
hit. Most of the time a weapons expert will miss a moving target. You have a
better chance of survival running away than getting in the vehicle.
If someone gains access to your vehicle, it is time to wreck
your car. Sounds strange? Remember the distractions I mentioned earlier? There
is very little that will distract your bad guy more than their side of the
vehicle meeting a tree or a fire hydrant! Drive very fast and find something to
bash in the bad guy’s side of the vehicle. Get out fast and get away from the
bad guy. Remember, now is the time to use your cell phone to summon help as you
move away as fast as your legs will carry you. Distance is life.
Remember these simple rules:
Pay attention
Close your windows
Lock your doors
Watch the people around you
If carjacked, drive away at a high speed and wreck the car on the
bad guy’s side
Get out and run
Call 911
Remember: You can choose not to be a victim.