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

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

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

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

11. 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.
• 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.

[gliberty]

on 4/18/2009 install a fingerprint car starter. mine has a anti-car jacking feature theif opens your door fuel will be cut off in 90 seconds meaning theif won't get very far check out my web site www.libertybiometrics.com

[guardtoday]

on 4/14/2008 In NY most cars with good Steros have a sign on it that says NO Stereo System in this car. It only has to happen one time before you do what ever you have to do. Now the same is for GPS systems. A flashlight is a great idea. Thanks great tips
for great personal safety items go to
http://www.guardyourselfnow.com

[Racefish]

on 1/14/2008 http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=7393963
It was even till they pulled a gun on him.

[eggy76]

on 8/20/2007 its always ive to carry some form of detterent on you, mace, pepper spray, a flashlight etc. even a simple breath or nasal spray is great for the eyes (not yours, the carjackers, ovbiously)

on 12/8/2005 Keep all doors locked at all times

When at traffic lights or junctions, close all windows including sunroof.

At the lights, if anyone tries to open your door, or get you to open the door, drive away; even if they stand in front of your car.

If anyone stands in the middle of the road to try and stop you, speed up, it usually deters them. Or slow down and when they move to the door, speed away.

Carry pepper spray or a baseball bat in the car.