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Personal safety and survival: How to prevent a carjacking
By zoeysky // 2021-09-22
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A carjacking is defined as the hijacking of a victim's car, often with the use of force. If you're worried about being the victim of a carjacking, read on to learn how to protect yourself and your vehicle. (h/t to Survivopedia.com)

Learn how to use a firearm for self-defense

When thieves get desperate, a carjacking can quickly escalate into a violent crime. This could leave you injured or even dead. Make sure you're not just another carjacking casualty by getting a gun and learning how to use it for self-defense. In most carjacking cases, thieves are armed and willing to use their weapons to make you give up your car. While thieves may also be armed with knives and other weapons, criminals tend to prefer firearms, possibly to show their target that they won't take no for an answer. Sometimes, carjackings occur because criminals need a getaway vehicle for various purposes. Others will try to make money by selling stolen car parts. According to most law enforcement officers, a carjacking is a convenient crime of opportunity that often takes the victim by surprise. This helps assure a high success rate for the criminals. Since carjackings happen very quickly, as a victim, you won't have enough time to defend yourself or your companions. By the time you get your bearings, a thief will already be gone with your car. Law enforcement and personal protection professionals recommend surrendering your vehicle if you're the victim of a carjacking. But what if you're traveling with other passengers in the vehicle? If you're armed with a gun you can fend off attackers and defend yourself if they get violent. If you're forced to fight back and you successfully manage to incapacitate the carjacker, you probably won't be prosecuted. Most of the time, a car owner will not be charged by the police since you can truthfully cite self-defense as the reason for using your gun.

Other self-defense weapon alternatives

If you prefer a non-lethal self-defense weapon, arm yourself with something that's powerful enough to incapacitate a carjacker. But before you choose your weapon, you need to be in the right mindset. First, know that you don't need to be ashamed if you surrender your car. Your main goal is to make sure you and the other passengers in your car escape the ordeal. If you decide to fight, you must be fast and decisive. Don't waste time second-guessing or overthinking. Here are some non-lethal self-defense weapons that you can use to prevent a carjacking:
  • Cell phone stunner
  • Expandable baton
  • Knife
  • Pepper spray
  • Stun baton
  • Stun gun
  • Taser
  • Tear gas
Lastly, you can take precautionary measures to ensure that you don't become a potential target for carjacking.

Situational awareness and other preventive measures

Are you easily distracted? If you're driving on main roads, keep your phone in your bag or pocket and focus on your surroundings. Practicing situational awareness helps ensure your safety on the road and it can protect you during a carjacking. You can also use the Cooper color code to stay alert whenever you're driving. The code will give you a significant tactical awareness advantage. White In this phase, you are usually unaware of your surroundings. Avoid this phase at all times. Yellow In the yellow phase, you're more aware of your surroundings. You will also notice who’s walking in your vicinity and any unusual behavior. Orange When in the orange phase, you will notice something unusual, like someone in the mall parking lot checking if several car doors are unlocked while acting nervously. (Related: Prepping 101: What is situational awareness and why is it crucial for your personal safety?) Red In the red phase, you are facing a confirmed threat. Be on your guard since you might be forced to confront a carjacker. Once you're in the red phase, you must quickly answer several questions:
  1. Are you prepared to fight? Or will you give up your vehicle?
  2. Do you have a self-defense weapon to fight with?
  3. Can you call anyone for help?
  4. Can you defend yourself if no one comes to help you?
  5. If you surrender your vehicle, is there anyone else with you, like a friend or family member?
Call 911 as you try to answer these questions. Black In the black phase, you may probably be fighting for your life. How you act in this phase will be influenced by your answers in the red phase. Use your common sense and stay calm. Here are other mistakes to avoid so you don't become a victim of a carjacking. While parking or getting to your car in a parking lot:
  • Don't park your car near large obstacles that can be used as a hiding place, like dumpsters or bushes.
  • Park your car in a well-lit area even if you're out on a quick errand.
  • Park your vehicle close to the entrance or the exit of your destination.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your car.
  • Lock the doors and shut the windows.
  • Before going to your car, check the parking lot for suspicious elements or potential attackers.
  • Check your window to see if there's anyone inside and around your vehicle before entering it.
  • If you feel like something’s weird, trust your gut. Call for security or ask someone you trust to accompany you.
  • Stay in the yellow phase when approaching your vehicle. Keep your phone in your hand so you're ready to use it to call 911 or talk to someone. If you're attacked, you can quickly tell someone what’s going on and let them know your location.
  • Keep your self-defense weapon within reach.
  • Don't linger in the parking lot after you enter your vehicle. Drive home immediately.
While driving your vehicle:
  • Stay in the yellow phase when driving your car. Don't let yourself get distracted by your phone or other passengers.
  • Always keep all windows closed and doors locked.
  • If you stop at a red light, leave enough room between vehicles so you can easily drive away if you need to.
  • Scan your rearview and side mirrors regularly to check if someone is approaching your vehicle.
  • Never stop for hitchhikers or motorists that look like they're in trouble next to a broken-down vehicle. They might actually be in trouble, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious.
  • Be wary of the "bump and rob" method. Carjackers often use this method to steal cars. First, they will bump their vehicle into your car. Once the driver gets out to check the damage to their car, a passenger in the carjacker's car will make their move. When you're distracted with assessing the damage, the "passenger" will get into your car and drive away.
The best way to prevent a carjacking is to make sure you don't become a target in the first place. Always be on your guard, don't get distracted by your phone while driving and use your common sense when something or someone seems suspicious. Get a firearm or a non-lethal self-defense weapon so you can protect yourself during a carjacking. Sources include: Survivopedia.com ThePrepperJournal.com SurvivalSullivan.com
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