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Be Prepared!

Text: Leilani Basson. Article  from the March 2013 issue of Leisure Wheels Magazine.

Leilani recently enjoyed a two-day women’s breakaway with Nissan to learn about anti-hijacking tips, precision driving and defensive driving through practical experience in Nissan’s diverse range of vehicles

Leilani recently enjoyed a two-day women's breakaway with Nissan to learn about anti-hijacking tips, precision driving and defensive driving through practical experience in Nissan's diverse range of vehiclesSo the first hijacking in SA was not in the early Nineties or even the late Eighties, as most of us would have assumed. Neither did it happen in dangerous Johannesburg. It was in Bloemfontein on 17 April 1976, according to Richard Brussouw of the National Hijack Prevention Academy.

It was interesting to learn at the course I attended that between August 2011 and August 2012 there were 13 123 successful hijackings of passenger vehicles in Gauteng alone. And this figure does not tell the full story. There were actually even more, since a hijacking in the driveway of a house is classified as “robbery in driveway” and not as a hijacking.

So while hijackings are the order of the day and seemingly not a crime on the decrease, all we as motorists can do is to equip ourselves to react appropriately in a hijacking, with an awareness of how to get ourselves and our loved ones out of the situation alive.

While most members of my family have been hijacked, and we have also had our fair share of armed robberies, one does become a little complacent over time. A few years after the incident you do seem to relax, and neglect the good safety and security practices you once swore by.

Listening to Richard’s presentation and demonstration really woke me up again.

The fact that Friday afternoons are the busiest day for hijackings was a real wake-up call. According to Richard’s experience (years in the police force and dealing with criminals one-on-one in prisons) people are at their most relaxed on a Friday afternoon. They are also tired and their guard is down. This is not only a favoured time for hijackers. It is also when criminals are most likely to attempt a violent entry to a house, where all kinds of crimes and even murder can take place.

A course like this can really save one’s life. You are given step-by-step instructions on hijack prevention and survival. Little things like slowly releasing the seatbelt and unlocking the door with your left hand, leaving your right hand on the steering wheel so the criminal can see it and not anticipate your right hand reaching for a gun, can save your life.

Knowing how to react and behave in a non-threatening way during an attack can make the difference between life and death.

We learned how to improve our awareness. This could enable us to pre-empt a possible attack and avoid it. We were also advised on how best to get ourselves, children and passengers safely out of the vehicle in the event of a hijacking.

Of cardinal importance is knowing how to make yourself “a smaller target” so that you can protect your vital organs and increase your chances of survival should you be shot.

Being made aware of popular locations for hijackings and the current modus operandi of hijackers, their operational techniques and possible motivation made this event an invaluable experience and one of the most meaningful courses I have attended.

It would be wonderful if all 4×4 or adventure clubs, or even employers, could arrange a presentation like this for their members or employees. Knowledge is power!

» For more information on the National Hijack Prevention Academy, log on to www.hijack.co.za or send an e-mail to nhpa@hijack.co.za

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