How to Avoid a Carjacking

Carjacking has become an increasing problem, but there are preventive measures you can take to avoid becoming a victim. These guidelines follow the recommendations of the National Crime Prevention Council and the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Car Alarms
• Pocket Alarms
• Stereo System With Removable Face
• Cellular Phones

On the Road

1. Make sure your car is well-maintained to prevent breakdowns.

2. Choose your routes carefully; drive along busy, well-lit roads.

3. Stay in the center lane. This makes you more difficult for carjackers to approach when you're stopped in traffic.

4. Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up while driving.

5. Check your mirrors periodically for any suspicious activity around your vehicle. If you think you are being followed, don't go home - drive to a police station or a busy public place where you can call the police.

6. Pay close attention to your surroundings at intersections, gas stations, drive-up ATMs and grocery stores. Be on the watch for anyone who seems to be eyeing your car.

7. Have an escape route at every intersection.

Parking Your Car

1. Park your car in a well-lit, busy area and as close to your destination as possible.

2. Keep your windows rolled up and the car locked even if parked at your own house.

3. Keep valuables hidden. Consider buying a stereo system with a removable stereo face.

4. Have your keys in your hand when returning to your car, and look around outside and inside before getting in.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are rear-ended in traffic, before you get out, check to make sure that there are other cars around and see who is in the car that hit you. If the situation seems suspicious, stay in the car and insist on moving to a well-lit area or a police station to exchange information.

• If you are approached by a stranger, don't roll down the window or open your car. If you are threatened, use your car's horn or a pocket alarm to signal for help.

• Do not pick up hitchhikers.

• The only thing scarier than being carjacked is being carjacked while you have kids in the car. If you are faced with this situation, assume without asking that you can take your kids with you and calmly proceed to do so - don't set yourself up for a possible argument, because if you are a parent, you are not going to walk away without your kids anyway. Teach your children ahead of time about following your directions so that if the time comes, you can quickly and quietly direct them out of the car to safety.

• There have been many stories of parents leaving children unattended in a running car for what the parents assumes will only be "a minute," only to return and find that the car has been stolen - with the children still in it. Don't let this happen to you; take your kids and your keys with you.