Handling a carjacking situation becomes even more complex and daunting when you are not alone—especially if you have young children, family,  friends or pets in the car with you. 

The presence of loved ones can increase the emotional stakes and require quick thinking and a level head to ensure their safety. 

Here’s what has worked for others in similar situations:

Prioritize Communication and Calmness

First and foremost, it’s important to stay calm and keep everyone else in the vehicle calm, too. If time allows, communicate quietly to your passengers to stay low and remain as inconspicuous as possible. If children are involved, a gentle reminder to stay quiet and follow your lead can help manage their panic.

Coordinate an Exit Strategy

If the carjacker is focused on taking the vehicle rather than harming its occupants, formulate a quick plan to exit the car safely together. This might mean instructing everyone to unbuckle their seatbelts and prepare to exit the vehicle on the side opposite the carjacker as soon as it is safe to do so. It’s crucial that this is done quietly and efficiently to avoid drawing attention before everyone is ready.

Use Distraction to Your Advantage

In some cases, creating a distraction might provide a momentary advantage. For example, one parent could pretend to look for the car keys or fumble with them, while the other prepares the children to exit quickly from the other side. As soon as the carjacker’s attention is focused on the parent with the keys, the others can make their escape safely.

Stories of Successful Exits

There are several instances where quick thinking has led to safe outcomes. One such story involves a family at a gas station who were approached by a carjacker. The parent driving handed over the keys while firmly instructing the kids to exit the car and head towards the store entrance. 

Simultaneously, the parent communicated to the carjacker that the children were exiting and that the vehicle was all theirs, which kept the situation from escalating. The carjacker drove away, and the family remained safe.

Another scenario involved a couple with their dog in the car. When approached by a carjacker, the driver threw the keys away from the car, which led the carjacker to chase after them, giving the couple and their pet enough time to run in the opposite direction towards a crowded area.

Safety First, Always

In every situation, the safety of every passenger is the paramount concern. It’s better to lose a vehicle than to risk any harm. 

After everyone is safe, and the immediate threat has passed, contacting law enforcement should be your next step. Provide a detailed description of the event and the carjacker, and follow their instructions.

These guidelines and examples aim to provide a framework that you can adapt based on the specifics of the situation. Remember, every second counts, and the presence of mind to act calmly and decisively can make all the difference.

Refuse to be a Victim… For more information and help to protect what YOU value most, including tips on ensuring the safety of your loved friends and family during high-risk situations, check out our inspiring courses at FreeState Safety Training.  Including this one on Carjacking Survival.