What should I do if I'm being carjacked?

Question

Let's assume that I want to live through a carjacking experience. Let's also assume that I'm in the process of being carjacked, so any tips on how to prevent carjacking aren't really much help. What should I do in this situation to get out alive? How can I stop the carjacker from taking my car? What should I do if I have passengers (e.g. family or friends)?
Of course, I'm not being carjacked right now, but I'm just curious about what to do if I were.

What if he points the gun to my head, gets in the back seat, and tells me to drive somewhere? What should I do?

Answer 1

Do exactly what the carjacker says. If you're lucky, he'll just pull you out and dump you on the ground and flee in your vehicle.

You can't stop an armed intruder from taking your vehicle and risk being killed if you do so.

There's little you can do about any others in the vehicle. Most adults would jump out instinctively. Teach older children to do the same. It's probably worth pleading for your infant or small child.

If you're kidnapped by someone who jumps into your car, it might be worth crashing your car deliberately if you have airbags and are buckled in, as long as the interloper isn't. Turn suddenly into something large like the back of a city bus, rear wheels of the side of a truck, a wall, etc. Be prepared to bail and run like hell! If that isn't possible, follow all instructions but be prepared for any escape opportunities that present themselves. Crashing into a police car is a GREAT attention getter. Scream "gun gun gun" after you hit the cruiser as you bail from the car. Try and thumb 911 on your cellphone if you can do this without being noticed. With luck, the call center will be able to track you and vector police to your rescue.

All of that said, your best plan is avoidance in the first place. Keep your doors locked and windows closed all the way. When stopped at a light, leave about a full car length in front of you so you have maneuvering room to escape if accosted. Don't worry about getting into an accident -- it's actually a plus if you do as you car won't be driveable and the carjacker will flee. Also consider buying a car that uses a "credit card" key system. Many of these only need to be in your posession, not put into a keyhole. Those that need to be inserted into a slot still allow you to remove them once the car is started. If you are carjacked in one of these vehicles, the car will run for about a mile once separated from the keycard and then stall. The carjacker will be far enough away to no longer be a threat, your car will be quickly recovered, and any children in the car will still be relatively safe.

Answer 2

I tried to research this for you and this is the closest I could find to pertinent information.

http://www.crimedoctor.com/carjacking.htm

I would think that it would be very similar to any situation in which you find yourself facing threats of harm from someone who probably does not care if you live or die.

Most carjackers are interested in stealing your car and/or wallet. Kidnappers typically don't steal cars, so your vehicle should be less appealing just by the fact you are not alone.

You have a better chance of coming out unharmed if you comply and don't seem threatening to the other person.

Avoid doing things that put you in a position of being vulnerable to the kind of confrontation.

Most people think nothing of going to an ATM, but it's probably one of the easiest places to get attacked (because of obstacles between potential witnesses and there is no way out except forward).

Lock you car at ALL times, even when you are just returning a shopping cart to the carousel. (I was stopped while returning a cart and I'm sure the person was working with someone who was trying to get in my car. I didn't see anyone, but the scenario was too strange and happened very fast).

If your children are old enough, prepare a plan on what to do if someone were to jump in the car or break into the house. Being prepared is the first step in not panicking when faced with a situation.

This is geared toward preparing for terrorist attacks, but the general concept is the same. http://www.ready.gov/

All the best.

Answer 3

Your life is more important than a car, so the best thing you can do is just give them your car. You should try to memorize your plates so that as soon as they take your car you can call the police and tell them what make, model, car plates, and which way they headed. The faster you can call the cops the more likely are the chances that you can get it back.

Answer 4

Get out and get the kids or other out as fast as you can. Let them take the car it isn't worth your life to fight for the car. As to having gun pointed at your head. Drive and pray.

Answer 5

You cannot stop them from taking your car. That is foolish. Just get out of the car as fast as you can, leave your bag and everything in the car. If you have family, tell them to get out as fast as they can and run to a safe place.

Insurance will cover your car.

Answer 6

Um, if someone pulled a gun on me and said "Gimme your car", I'd give them my car. If I were you I'd just tell them calmly that they can have the car once everyone else has got out. Once you get out, call the police, tell them where the car went, and let them deal with it.

Answer 7

don't do anything,
you can stop carjacker if he wants your car.
He will take it!
Try to talk to him and get you and your family members or friends out of that car.

Answer 8

Just keep silence. Life is more important especially the car robbers are armed with weapons.

Answer 9

call the police .what u should before hand is put a alarm i n ur car and that thing that lock up the sterring wheel

Answer 10

Keep in mind, everything in the car, including the car can be replaced, except you.

Good luck.