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Don't become a hijacking statistic. Here are some basic tips from walking to your car, to walking away from it.

Article: Zanap van Zyl from women24

As South Africans, we're all too aware of the reality of hijackings. But how seriously do you take it? Serious enough to know how to avoid becoming a victim yourself? Read this, and have some peace of mind knowing you're well informed.

Getting to your car
When approaching your car, remember to be alert at all times:

Check too see if there's anyone around and if they look suspicious. If you feel unsafe at any point while approaching your car, walk past it and make your way to a public or busy area.

Don't ever fumble for your keys when you get to your car, have it ready but not visible. Scratching in your bag will give the perpetrator time and leeway to make an attack.

Before you get into your car, make sure that no-one's hiding/crouching on the back seat.

Get in, lock all doors and keep windows closed.

While you're driving
Being in a moving car might feel safe, but staying alert and being familiar with the route you're taking is important:

Try to avoid driving alone at night or early morning, especially in high crime areas.

Keep your eyes open for anyone that might be following you and be aware of the other vehicles around you.

When stopping, leave enough room to manoeuvre around other cars. If you're attacked, it'll be easy to pull away.

At an intersection, drive in the centre lane, it will make it easier for you to get away, should anyone approach you from bushes, shrubs – where they can go unnoticed from the road.

When approaching a red light, slow down and stall a dead stop for as long as possible until the light turns green. If you don't feel safe stopping at a red light, check for any oncoming traffic and drive off. It's better to risk a ticket or fine than your life.

If a stranger approaches you at a red light, don't open your window, rather drive off.

NEVER pick up hitchhikers or stop to help a stranded motorist.

Don't stop to remove a rock or tree stump – or any object – from the road. Reverse and find a way around it.

Parking/getting to your destination
Don't let your guard down just because you've finally reached your destination – most hijackings take place in home driveways (up to 80%):

Check your rear-view mirror to see if you're being followed

Always park your car in a busy and well-lit area

Avoid parking close to large trucks, vans, trees or anything that can hide an attacker.

If you're parking at home, make sure that you scan the surrounding area for any suspicious looking cars or individuals, if you have any suspicions, drive away and return later.

When pulling in to a driveway, only do so when the security gate is already open and close it immediately.

If you have to wait for the security gate to close after pulling in, keep your car close to the gate and in reverse – this will buy you time if you need to get away.

With manual gates, switch your car off, take the keys and open the gates as quickly as possible.

If you know you'll be returning home late, leave a light on.

Don't sit for too long in a parked vehicle.

For more information visit National Hijack Prevention Academy –

Continue reading about... hijacker behaviour, tips that could save your life and what to do if you're hijacked in Part Two: Spot a hijacker and stay calm

Image: Students from the National Hijack Prevention Academy simulate a hijacking situation. Lisa Skinner, Beeld.