Carjacking Prevention Tips: How to Stay Safe and Protect Yourself | By Jordan Frankel

Carjacking is a terrifying crime that can escalate quickly, putting both your property and personal safety at risk. Fortunately, by following these carjacking prevention tips, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim and stay vigilant in high-risk situations. Understanding how carjackings happen and taking proactive measures can help protect you and your loved ones during everyday travel.

What is Carjacking?

Carjacking is a form of motor vehicle theft involving threats, physical force, or even deadly weapons to rob someone of their car. While some victims escape unharmed, others face severe consequences such as assault, kidnapping, or worse. Even those who avoid physical harm often experience lasting psychological trauma, including nightmares, panic attacks, or fear of driving again.

The History and Rise of Carjacking

Carjacking became a widely recognized crime in the 1980s, although its roots date back much further. Initially, truck hijackings made headlines, with criminals targeting large vehicles and their valuable cargo. Over time, carjacking evolved into a more personal crime, with criminals forcibly removing drivers from their vehicles.

The rise of advanced anti-theft technology has contributed to the increase in carjackings. Many criminals find it easier to steal a car directly from the driver than to bypass modern vehicle security systems.

Carjacking Statistics You Should Know

Understanding the prevalence and nature of carjacking can help you stay informed and better prepared. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics:

• 93% of the criminals who committed carjackings were men.

• An estimated 38,000 carjackings occurred each year.

• 74% of carjacking crimes involved a weapon—45% involve firearms, 11% involve a knife, and 18% involve some other weapon.

• Carjackings resulted in 15 homicides per year.

• Most carjackings occurred in metropolitan areas, followed by suburb and rural locations.

• Approximately 63% of carjackings occurred within 5 miles of the victim’s residence.

Because carjackings are not reported as standalone crimes, understanding the true prevalence of this form of auto theft is challenging. The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) is the only data available that provides insight to the nature of carjacking crimes.

The above figures highlight the importance of staying alert and implementing the carjacking prevention tips outlined in this article.

Common Carjacking Scenarios

Carjackers often exploit moments when drivers are distracted or vulnerable. Some common scenarios include:

• Parking Lots and Garages: Criminals target victims as they enter or exit their vehicles.
• At Intersections: Carjackers may approach while you’re stopped at a red light or stop sign.
• Fake Accidents: Some carjackers intentionally bump into your car to lure you out.
• Driveways: Many carjackings occur close to home when drivers feel a false sense of security.

Recognizing these scenarios can help you stay vigilant and act decisively to protect yourself.

Carjacking Prevention Tips

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Awareness is your first line of defense. Always be alert to what’s happening around you, especially in high-risk areas like parking lots or gas stations.

• Scan your surroundings before entering or exiting your car.
• Be cautious of people sitting in nearby vehicles.
• Keep an eye out for individuals loitering or acting suspiciously.

2. Avoid Distractions

Distractions like texting or rummaging through your bag can make you an easy target. Stay focused and keep your attention on your environment.

3. Choose Safe Parking Areas

• Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever possible.
• Avoid parking near bushes, dumpsters, or other potential hiding spots.
• Opt for valet parking if available, especially if you’re traveling alone or at night.

4. Lock Your Doors and Windows

Lock your car doors as soon as you get inside and keep them locked while driving. Roll up your windows when stopped at intersections or in slow-moving traffic.

5. Be Wary of Approaching Strangers

If someone approaches your car, put up your hand and signal them to stop. If they persist, drive away or use your horn to attract attention.

6. Stay in Control During Minor Accidents

Carjackers often stage minor accidents to trick drivers into leaving their vehicles. If someone bumps into your car, remain inside and assess the situation from a safe distance. If you feel uneasy, drive to a public area or call the police before getting out.

7. Protect Yourself at Night

Carjackings are more likely to occur after dark, so taking extra precautions during evening hours is crucial.

• Avoid traveling alone at night whenever possible.
• Use well-lit, busy roads rather than shortcuts through isolated areas.
• If you feel unsafe, consider asking a store employee or security guard to escort you to your car.

Carjacking Prevention Tips for Families

Traveling with children requires additional safety measures to ensure everyone stays protected.

• Teach your children to stay inside the car with locked doors until you return.
• Avoid leaving kids in the car unattended, even for a moment.
• Discuss basic safety rules, such as not opening doors for strangers.

Responding to a Carjacking

If you find yourself confronted by a carjacker, the most important thing is to prioritize your safety.

• Do Not Argue: Comply with the carjacker’s demands and hand over your keys and belongings.
• Never Get in the Car with Them: Refuse any orders to enter the car. Scream, fight, or run to attract attention.
• Provide Necessary Information: Keep your car’s license plate and VIN number written down in a safe place. This will help police locate your vehicle quickly if it’s stolen.

Emotional Impact of Carjacking

Even if no physical harm occurs, victims often struggle with the emotional aftermath of a carjacking. Feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness can linger long after the event. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional counselors can be an important step toward recovery.

Don’t Let a Carjacker Steal Your Security

Carjacking is a serious crime, but you can take steps to minimize your risk and protect yourself. By applying these carjacking prevention tips, staying vigilant, and trusting your instincts, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Remember, your safety is always more important than your possessions.

Stay aware, stay prepared, and share these tips with others to help keep everyone safe on the road.

Click here for more street-smart security tips by home security expert Jordan Frankel.