How to Avoid Being Carjacked

Carjackings are epidemic. Antitheft devices prevent stealing parked cars, so car theft rings now pay carjackers $1,000 or more per stolen vehicle. Carjackers can be a gun- or knife-wielding pack who steal up to ten cars per day. Big money and stiff felony charges give carjackers little incentive to avoid violence and murder. This makes them some of the most dangerous criminals on our streets today.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Information and Awareness Offer Protection

1. Carjackings fall into two categories. Some occur while cars are stopped on roadways--at lights, stop signs or before turns. Most, though, take place in parking lots when drivers are entering or exiting their cars. Half of all attempts succeed.
2. If you are approached, give up your car and get away from the door as quickly as possible. If you see him or her approaching, throw your keys and run in the other direction. Do nothing to confront or provoke a carjacker--they are armed and travel in groups. Your safety is the only thing that matters.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings. Turn down the radio and get off the phone. Car jackers as well as thieves and rapists target those who are distracted. Drive around and scan the area, making sure to look between cars. Know your destination exactly, down to the door you will enter.
4. Then, when you feel secure, park where there's good light and other people around, if possible. Avoid wedging your car into tight spaces that provide no escape route. Look around once again before leaving your car.
5. When you exit your vehicle, walk away from your locked car quickly and deliberately. Stay in the light and avoid walking between parked cars. Walk close to other people if you can.
6. When going back to your car, follow the same process, but have your keys in your hand and ready to use. Get into your car, lock it, turn it on, and get going. Don't hang around. Locked doors don't stop guns. You're not really out of carjacking danger until you're moving at about 15 miles per hour.
7. When stopping for lights, signs or turns, keep maneuvering space between vehicles so you won't be trapped if approached by a carjacker. If you're approached and you can leave, do so.