May 17 2013, 08:39 AM, updated 13y ago
Tips To Prevent Carjacking, Abduction and Other Crimes
When you're a woman driving alone, car crashes are far from the only risk you face. Carjacking, abduction and falling prey to a police impersonator all pose additional hazards for women, who are more likely to be targeted by sexual predators. Most crimes involving women drivers occur when they are heading to or away from their cars, particularly in parking lots, where thieves are tempted to steal both cars and property. While it's important not to be overly fearful, it's smart to be on the lookout for trouble and prepared if you're confronted.
A simple lapse of caution, such as failing to lock your car door before starting your engine is an ideal opportunity for a desperate aggressor to swiftly approach your vehicle from the blind spot in your side view mirror, open your door, pull you from the vehicle, or enter from the passenger side.
The Moment of Distraction
Rapists, carjackers and thieves look for potential targets who are alone, unaware, and vulnerable. A woman who is preoccupied removing her child from the rear seat without checking her environment first, will be completely surprised when the aggressor strikes. The woman who fails to ask for the attendant to escort her to the far end of a dark parking garage is not aware of the opportunity for foul play that lurks there.
A consequence of our busy lives is the fact that we often multitask while driving. Because we are not paying attention to our environment and fully attending to the task of driving, perpetrators are finding it easier to overcome a distracted driver who is stopped, talking on a cell phone or applying cosmetics.
By the time a predator has made himself visible to his target, it is often too late to evade him. The best advice is to heighten awareness of potential risk before you place yourself in a position of no escape.
Here are 10 ways to stay safe when traveling solo :
1) Surveillance and Evasion.
Basically, you should avoid putting yourself in a compromising situation.
Here are some examples:
Before driving off on an errand, or returning home late, do you already have the route mapped out in your head? This is important because if you’re lost, you’re vulnerable.
Do you regularly check that your transport is in good order? Being stuck on a deserted road at night because you’ve run out of petrol or your battery has gone dead is not forward thinking.
Before leaving on a long trip, do you charge your mobile phone, inform friends of your route and your ETA (estimated time of arrival), etc? Are you registered with a reputable automobile association like AAM?
Do you scan your immediate vicinity before pulling out?
Do you routinely check your mirrors to see if you are being followed, especially late at night?
Always think ahead and be prepared.The strategic phases of defensive preparation can be summarised as SERE or Survival, Evasion, Rescue and Escape.
2) Reaction & Escape.
To be able to physically overcome an attacker, you need to have good self-defence, or better yet, close-quarter combat, skills, including weapons training. When learning tactical defensive skills, please remember some golden rules:
Most women are physically weaker than men.
The longer the fight, the higher the aggressor’s chances of defeating you, especially if it is a man.
A perpetrator has no compassion for you, so do not have any for him.
The longer and harder you train in self-defence, the better your chances of survival.
If you carry a weapon or substitute weapon (keys, pepper spray etc), know how to use it.
Try and anticipate the feeling of shock in an attack against you.
Again, please be aware of how effective and pertinent your self-defence training is:
If your class focuses on martial sports, remember real-life is not like a sparring event.
If your class focuses on kick/punch and fitness, you should run from confrontations because punching bags do not hit back, unlike an assailant.
Also, make sure that the techniques used are suitable for females against males.
3) Park in Plain View.
Women should park in areas of high visibility, both for the driver and for passers-by. Avoid parking next to vans or other vehicles which can harbor perpetrators who can quickly emerge from a sliding side door and grab you. People hiding under vehicles with high ground clearance can easily subdue a hapless victim.
4) Prepare to Quickly Enter Your Vehicle and Lock it.
Fumbling for your keys outside your vehicle is a moment when you are distracted and vulnerable. A moment of distraction is all the thief or rapist needs. Have your key in your hand before you approach your car.
5) My Distress
There’s an app called My Distress, specifically for emergencies in Selangor, as it’s by the state police.
From what i understand, this is for smartphones, and for the app to inform the cops of your exact location, your GPS needs to be on. So instead of trying to turn it on in emergency (that wd be quite silly), it’s best to turn on your GPS and put your app on-screen, on standby, when you’re driving alone at night or something.
6) Be Alert For Suspicious Situations.
If someone is on the passenger side of a vehicle close to where you will enter your car, and that vehicle is idling, be careful. Get a store attendant or someone you feel is safe to help you to your car.
7) Call For Help to Assist a Disabled Vehicle.
Women who drive alone should always keep a cell phone handy in the vehicle. If you see a man or a woman waving to cars for help because their car has problems, use your cell phone to call for assistance rather than putting yourself in jeopardy.
8) Know the Route to your Destination.
Men are the worst when it comes to asking for directions, but women are at their most vulnerable when they are lost. Map out your route via GPS before you leave if necessary. Keep friends and family apprised of your errands and appointments, when and where you will be expected.
9) Your Vehicle is your Fortress and your Escape Pod.
Familiarize yourself with the anti-theft, GPS, and other protective features of your vehicle. Keep your vehicle well-maintained and learn to check fluids and tire pressure before you leave on a trip.
10) Pessimistic Planning
Learn the best actions to take in a set of hypothetical scenarios. On foot, if a potential abductor approaches you it is a good idea to run and make a lot of noise. Do not give him the chance to take you to a different location. Once he controls what is happening you have few safe choices. When followed go to a police station. If you discover someone in your back seat, hit your brakes, get out of the car and run. Try to plan for what you would do in these situations. It could save your life.
Safety and Wellbeing for Women Drivers
This article is intended to help women drivers learn how to be safe and secure when driving alone. Society has gotten to the point where opportunists are waiting for you to forget to lock your car doors, to allow yourself to become momentarily distracted, or to remain oblivious of your surroundings so they can strike.
Tips To Prevent Carjacking, Abduction and Other Cr
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