Child Safety in Vehicle Hijacking: A Parent’s Guide
We don’t want to even think about it, but it is vital to prepare for child safety in vehicle hijacking situations. As a parent in South Africa, protecting your children during these traumatic requires preparation, quick thinking, and clear priorities.
Considering that 66 cars are hijacked every day across our country¹, the reality is that knowledge and preparation can make all the difference in keeping your family safe.
No matter what, one fundamental truth remains: your lives are infinitely more valuable than any vehicle.
Cars can be recovered, repaired, or replaced. Your children cannot. We’ve gathered some practical preparation and response strategies to protect your children during emergencies.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Child Safety
You can significantly improve safety long before you leave the driveway. These steps dramatically reduce the time needed to get your children safely out of the car during a hijacking.
Strategically position car seats
Install your child’s car seat on the side of the vehicle that faces away from traffic. This positioning makes it easier to unbuckle them quickly while providing a natural barrier between your child and potential danger. Ensure the car seat’s buckle mechanism faces outward for faster access.
Train older children
Children aged four and above should learn how to unbuckle themselves from car seats and seat belts. Practice this regularly, turning it into a game so they remember the technique under stress. Teach them to stay low and move away from the vehicle when instructed.
Keep essential items accessible
Store your house keys separately from your car keys. Having quick access to your home means you can reach safety faster after the incident.
Know S.A.F.E.R. and C.A.L.M. by heart
SAFER and CALM are our hijack survival acronyms that help you recall the dos and don’ts related to hijackings. Read Essential Hijack Survival Tips to learn them.
Master MyPanic
Run your own drills to use MyPanic, your 24/7 on-demand personal security and medical assist service. Simply press and hold the ‘HELP’ button in the app to activate a panic alert. It will dispatch the nearest response team to your location.
Did you know that MyPanic is available to anyone? You don’t need to be a Matrix client to subscribe. Get MyPanic on your phone today here.
Discreetly hit the Panic Button
Matrix subscribers* receive the Matrix Panic Button, which includes a remote that can be mounted in your car out of sight. It sends a silent distress signal to the Matrix 24/7 Response Centre, ensuring swift assistance in a hijacking or roadside situation.
Protecting Your Children During a Hijacking
When confronted by hijackers, your children’s safety depends on your calm, measured response. Most hijackers only want your vehicle, not to harm you or your family.
Stay calm and signal compliance. Keep your hands visible and speak in a steady voice. Tell the hijackers immediately that you have children in the vehicle and need to unbuckle them.
Communicate with your children. Use a calm, reassuring voice to tell your children what’s happening in age-appropriate terms. For toddlers, simple instructions like “We’re getting out now” work best. Older children should be told to stay quiet and follow your lead.
Unbuckle systematically. Start with the child closest to you, then work your way across. If you have multiple children, consider which ones can help unbuckle themselves while you handle the younger ones. Don’t rush this process—quick movements might alarm the hijackers.
Exit together. Keep your children close to you as you exit the vehicle. If possible, position yourself between the children and the hijackers. Move to the side of the car facing away from traffic, using the vehicle as a shield.
After Exiting: Creating Distance and Safety
Once you’re out of the vehicle, you want to create physical distance between your family and the hijackers. All the while keeping your children calm and protected.
Move away quickly, but don’t run. Walking briskly while holding your children’s hands is safer than running, which might cause them to fall or become separated from you. Try not to turn your back fully on the criminals—if they are still visible, consider walking backwards.
Head to the nearest safe place, such as a building, group of people, or a well-lit area.
Don’t try to memorise details. Focus entirely on your children’s well-being and getting to safety. Attempting to note licence plates or observe the hijackers can be perceived as threatening and may escalate the situation.
Reassure your children continuously. Young children will likely be frightened and confused. Keep talking to them in soothing tones, explaining that you’re safe now and heading somewhere secure. Physical comfort (holding hands or carrying smaller children) provides additional reassurance.
Seek help from safe sources. Once you reach safety, contact the police immediately. Many shopping centres, petrol stations, and businesses have security personnel who can assist. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from other families or trusted adults.
Supporting your Family’s Recovery: Trust Matrix with Vehicle Tracking
When the unthinkable happens, you can focus on caring for your children and leave the rest up to Matrix.
Our 24/7 response team springs into action the moment you activate your Panic Button or MyPanic.
We immediately start tracking your stolen vehicle with advanced GPS technology.
Matrix knows no bounds when it comes to vehicle tracking and recovery. Did you know for instance that 30% of stolen and hijacked cars are smuggled into neighbouring countries²? Therefore, the quicker we are made aware that the vehicle has been stolen, the quicker we can get to work.
Your Safety Partner
Content such as this helps us to prepare for situations we hope never to face. By planning ahead, staying calm during incidents, and having Matrix as your safety partner, you’re giving your family the best possible protection.
Remember, no car is worth risking your or your children’s safety. That’s what we’re here for—to get your vehicle back while you keep what matters most secure.
Download the Matrix App today:
* Silver, Gold and Commercial subscribers only.
** An estimated R 1000 excess applies.
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