By Director Al Collins
In most carjacking situations (according to statistics), the attackers are interested only in the vehicle. Try to stay calm. Do not stare at the attacker as this may seem aggressive and cause them to harm you.
There are two options during an attack–nonresistive, nonconfrontational behavior and resistive or confrontational behavior. Your reaction should be based on certain factors:
- Type of attack
- Environment (isolated or public)
- Mental state of attacker (reasonable or nervous)
- Number of attackers
- Weapons
- Whether children are present
In the nonconfrontational situation, you would:
- give up the vehicle freely.
- listen carefully to all directions.
- make no quick or sudden movements that the attacker could construe as a counter attack.
- always keeps your hands in plain view. Tell the attacker of every move in advance.
- make the attacker aware if children are present. The attacker may be focused only on the driver and not know children are in the car.
In a resistive or confrontational response, you would make a decision to escape or attack the carjacker. Before doing so, consider:
- the mental state of the attacker.
- possible avenues of escape.
- the number of attackers; there is usually more than one.
- the use of weapons. (Weapons are used in the majority of carjacking situations.)
In most instances, it is probably safest to give up your vehicle.
Avoidance is the best way to prevent an attack. Use your judgment to evaluate the situation and possible reactions. Know safe areas to go to in an emergency. Always carry your cell phone or radio.
Nonconfrontation is often the best response. The objective is not to thwart the criminal but to survive!
If the carjacker wants to take you with the vehicle (you believe you are to be kidnapped, raped or murdered), use your COMBATIVS training to defeat the predator(s).