Essential Hijack Survival Tips for Women
As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, there’s no better time to focus on empowering women with essential hijack survival tips.
While recent statistics from the South African Police Service show a 15.1% decrease in car hijackings in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, there were still 4,533 incidents recorded nationally [The Times]. That number is far too high. Staying vigilant remains crucial for your safety.
At Matrix, we believe that safety is integral to empowerment. That’s why we’re sharing practical hijack survival tips for women, designed to help you stay alert, stay safe, and stay in control.
S.A.F.E.R – Your 5-Step Prevention Plan
The most critical hijacking survival tip is to avoid being hijacked at all. That means staying alert and thinking ahead.
- Avoid distractions, such as your phone, especially when approaching or leaving your vehicle.
- Check for suspicious behaviour at intersections, driveways, or gate entrances.
- Change up your routes and timings whenever possible. Predictability makes you a target.
- Keep windows up, doors locked, and always know your nearest “safe spots,” such as petrol stations or police stations.
- Driving at night: don’t come to a complete stop at robots. Instead, slow down early so you reach the white line just as the light turns green.
- Always leave space between you and the car in front – enough to pull off and escape if needed.
Use this S.A.F.E.R. guide to keep danger at bay:
- Scan your surroundings constantly.
- Avoid routines and distractions.
- Fast exits – keep doors locked, windows up.
- Emergency spots – know your safe locations.
- Reflect using mirrors – check blind spots regularly.
Don’t Hesitate to Hit MyPanic
If you feel the slightest bit uncertain, use your Matrix safety features.
MyPanic, our 24/7 on-demand personal security and medical assist service, dispatches the nearest response team to your location.
Simply press and hold the ‘HELP’ button in the app to activate a panic alert whenever you feel unsafe or threatened.
If It Happens: Do’s and Don’ts During a Hijacking
If you are ever caught in a hijacking situation, your top priority is to stay calm and stay alive.
| ✅ Do: | ❌ Don’t: |
| Stay calm and still. Breathe. Panic may escalate the situation. | Don’t scream, argue, or resist. Most hijackers just want the vehicle. |
| Keep your hands visible. Raise them slowly and clearly. | Don’t make sudden moves. Even reaching for your handbag could be seen as threatening. |
| Speak clearly and calmly. Say what you’re doing: “I’m unbuckling my seatbelt.” | Don’t look them in the eye. It may be interpreted as confrontational. |
| Let them take the car. It’s not worth your life. | Don’t go with them. If someone tries to force you into the vehicle, fight back, scream, and run. |
| Ask to remove your children. Be firm, but respectful. | |
| Observe discreetly. Note any details (height, accent, clothing) if it’s safe to do so. |
Use the C.A.L.M. approach
All these dos and don’ts can be hard to recall in a high-stress situation. Here’s an easy way to remember.
- Comply and stay calm. Try to hit your panic button quickly but discreetly
- Actions must be visible and communicate what you’re doing.
- Look away but listen. Capture as many details as you can.
- Mention children firmly
Critical Exception: If hijackers attempt to take you with them, you must fight back immediately. Get away and run as far as possible – your safety depends on not being taken to a secondary location.
Long-Term Safety Moves
Staying safe doesn’t end when the engine switches off. Consider these protective measures:
- Install a vehicle tracking system with a panic button.
- Carry a discreet, wearable panic device.
- Take defensive driving or hijack avoidance courses
- Learn basic self-defence.
- Save emergency contacts under ICE (In Case of Emergency) on your phone.
Stay informed about news related to hijacking tactics and trends. For example, Business Tech reports that Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford vehicles remain the most targeted. However, Chinese automakers are increasingly becoming targets as their market presence grows in South Africa.
Empowerment Starts with Preparedness
This Women’s Month, take control of your safety. While we can’t eliminate all risks, we can ensure you’re prepared, protected, and empowered.
Being informed eliminates fear. Remembering these tips gives you options, confidence and tools that help you feel in control. That’s what Matrix is here for. Beyond cutting-edge tracking, we provide meaningful support when you need it most.
Make your safety a priority this Women’s Month, and every day after.
