It has become increasingly difficult to steal motor vehicles, with all the anti-theft devices, such as immobilisers, gear-locks, etc.  These steps have resulted in a dramatic increase in vehicle hijackings.  The hijacker has the element of surprise and this is a concern.  The increasing retrenchment and the high unemployment figures are also factors.  This is easy earned money and the already well-established syndicates will buy these vehicles from the hijacker.  Vehicle hijacking is an organised business, run according to business principles and based on thorough planning.  Specific vehicles with specific characteristics are ordered beforehand and efforts have to be made to meet the requirements of such orders.  These vehicles will then be resold to the already predetermined buyer.

 Definition:

Days of the week and time of day in which hijackings occurred:

Weapons used during hijackings:

When to Shoot:

What exactly are the legal requirements of self-defense?  The following points are important:

• The attack must be unlawful.
• The attack must be imminent or have commenced.
• The attack must not have been completed.  One cannot act on grounds of self-defense for an attack committed an hour earlier.
• The defensive action must be directed against the attacker.
• The defensive action must be proportionate to the circumstances.  The value of property involved and the instrument used for attack are important considerations.

Types of hijackings:

Modus Operandi used by the hijackers:

• Most hijackings take place in the driveways of residential areas.  These hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape routes.
• Hijackings take place while stationed at any traffic sign or intersection.
• Hijackings take place while stationary next to the road, e.g. to answer cell phone.
• Hijackings also occur at post offices and parking areas or you may be followed leaving the filling station with the objective to hijack your vehicle where it is quiet.
• The hijackers sometimes use a vehicle to force the victim off the road.
• Hijackings take place at schools when dropping off / picking up children.
• Hijackings take place while the vehicle is idling when off-loading / loading passengers.
• Hijackings take place when advertising your vehicle for sale (Test drive method).
• Bogus Police or Traffic Officers also conduct hijackings (Blue light scenario).

• 2km from your house strategy.  Be extra alert.  Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings.  If you have noticed any vehicle behind you, use the techniques you have learned during the hijack prevention & survival course to determine whether you are being followed.  
• Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close.  This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.
• Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
• Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
• Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
• Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
• Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside.  It might be perpetrators observing the area.
• Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual.  It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
• Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
• When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate.  Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
• If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, make sure nobody suspicious around and the road is clear.  Stop right in front of your gate.  Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door (not creating temptation).  Then open the gate.  Drive in and close the gate immediately behind you.
• If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception).  You need the key as a “negotiating tool”.  The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
• If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.

Parking your vehicle:

• Check rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
• When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
• Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings.  Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
• When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles / persons.  This is very important as the majority of hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.

Whilst entering your vehicle and while driving, the following should be considered:

• Have your key ready, but not visible.
• Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking.  Check underneath your vehicle for items placed under the wheels.  Also make sure nobody is hiding on the passenger side before you enter your vehicle.  (As explained during the hijack prevention & survival course)
• Know your destination and directions to it; and be alert should you get lost.
• Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
• Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the vicinity.
• When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.
• When dropping off a passenger, make sure they are safely in their own vehicle before departing.
• Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid driving late at night / early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
• Drive in the center lane away from pedestrians where possible.
• If possible, never drive alone.
• NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers or strangers.  (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular basis.

Other situations:

• If approached by a stranger while in your vehicle, drive off if possible or use your hooter to attract attention.
• Lock your doors, close your windows and do not have bags or briefcases visible in the vehicle.  Use the boot for this.  Cell phone should also not be visible.  
• There are times and days that these items are visible in the vehicle.  Try and open the window they might “smash & grab” about 3 cm, so the window can absorb the sudden impact.  If you’ve left your stopping distance you may be able to escape.
• Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters or vehicles and do not hesitate to report them to the SAPS.
• Always be on the alert for potential danger, and be on the lookout for possible escape routes and safe refuge along the way.
• When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.
• Do not take anything from people standing at traffic lights or places where they gather (job seekers on gathering points).  Perpetrators are usually standing among these people.
• Make sure you are not followed.  If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public area.
• If any person or vehicle in a high-risk area arouses your suspicions, treat it as hostile and take appropriate action, e.g. when approaching a red traffic light, slow down, check for oncoming traffic and if clear, drive through the intersection.  A fine will be preferable to an attack.  Treat stop streets in the same way.  Thereafter call for assistance if necessary.  Always report these incidents to the SAPS.  But remember, this is not an excuse to ignore the rules of the road.  The onus will be on you to prove in a court of law that you had justifiable reason to act the way you did and this is only in the case of a real, life-threatening emergency. 
• Should a suspicious vehicle in fact be a (unmarked) SAPS vehicle, the Police must identify themselves by:
  • Use of a blue light, loudspeaker or any other police equipment.
  • The flash of a badge through the window whilst driving is not enough.
  • The Police must go all out in order to let the public know who they are.
• Consider the following actions:
  • Switch on emergency lights and put your hand out the window (if possible), indicating that they should follow you.  Your intention must be very clear and understandable.
  • By exceeding the speed limit, you are sending out a message of suspicion, e.g. stolen / hijacked vehicle, transporting stolen goods, under the influence.
  • Drive to the nearest Police Station or when in doubt, the nearest busy public area.
• Always have your identity document and driver’s license in your possession as well as a pen and notebook to take necessary notes.
• If possible, avoid driving in the dark.  Hijackers may stage a minor accident, for e.g. If your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation, indicate he / she must follow you and drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public area for help.
• Never open your vehicle window or door for any stranger.  If a suspicious person is near your unoccupied vehicle, do not approach the vehicle.  Walk to the nearest public area and ask for assistance.
• If you encounter obstacles in the road, e.g. rocks, tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them.  Reverse and drive away in the opposite direction.
• Do not stop to eat or rest on deserted roads.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended at a filling station.
• Cell phones should be carried on the body.  Perpetrators will not allow you to remove your cell phone and valuables from the vehicle during an attack.

 Information you should know:

• Remember the direction from which they came and fled, as well as the time and place the incident happened.
• Remember to make mental and physical notes immediately after the incident to ensure accurate and detailed information for the Police investigation.

 If confronted:

• Do not lose your temper, threaten or challenge the hijacker.  
• DO EXACTLY AS TOLD BY THE HIJACKERS!
• Do not resist, especially if the hijacker has a weapon.  Surrender your vehicle and move away.  Try to put as much distance between yourself and the hijacker(s) as speedily as possible.
• Do not reach for your purse or valuables.  Leave everything in the vehicle.
• Try to remain calm at all times and do not show signs of aggression.
• Be compliant to all demands set by the perpetrator.
• Do not make eye contact with the hijacker.  He may perceive this behavior as a threat and retaliate aggressively.
• Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, so as to give him assurance of your passive content.
• Do not speak too fast (if you are able to talk) and do not make sudden movements.
• Gather as much information as possible without posing a threat.
  • How many people?
  • How many firearms and description thereof?
  • What were the perpetrators wearing (clothing)?
  • To which direction did they drive off?
  • Take note of the language they use (the accent).
• First phone the SA Police Service on 08600 10111.  They will dispatch the medical services if needed.  Other emergency numbers you could phone are 112 ANY Network (Vodacom+MTN+Cell C) or 147 Vodacom ONLY.
• Activate the vehicle-tracking device, if the vehicle is fitted with one.

 The Effects of Trauma:

• Re-experiencing the event – a feeling that you are experiencing the original event all over again, through memories intruding into your waking or sleeping life.
   
• Arousal reactions – you feel persistently aroused, nervous, agitated sense, anxious, tense, unable to settle or concentrate, over-reacting very sharply to small things and especially, having trouble sleeping.
   
• Avoidance reactions – you make frantic efforts to avoid anything that could remind you of the trauma, or cause you to think or talk about it in any way.  You may shut down your feelings about other people and things you normally care about and keep to yourself.  You may feel unusually withdrawn and emotionally numb.

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

 
  Do:

• Express your emotions.
• Talk about what has happened as often as you need to.  Seek trauma counselling.
• Try to keep your life as normal as possible by following daily routines.
• Find opportunities to review the experience.
• Look to friends and colleagues for support.

  Don’t:

• Use alcohol, nicotine or other drugs to hide your feelings.
• Simply stay away from work or isolate yourself.  Seek help and support instead (counselling).
• Allow anger and irritability to mask your feelings.
• Hide your feelings and be afraid to ask for help.
• Think your feelings are a sign of weakness.

 Technology has changed the way people communicate and do business with each other. Tracking technology has evolved from the developments in personal computers, mobile phones, the GPS Global Positioning System and the Internet into what is now described as “vehicle telematics”.

In this section we would like to focus on vehicle tracking as the “use of computers and telecommunications to enhance the functionality, productivity and security of both vehicles and drivers”. This can also be described as the technology of tracking the movements and/or status of a vehicle or fleet of vehicles, through the use of a vehicle tracking device, typically equipped with a GPS Locator and GPRS modem, which is fitted in the vehicle. 

 What do I need to know about Vehicle Tracking?

A vehicle tracking system is basically an electronic device installed in a vehicle to enable the owner or a third party to track the vehicle's location. Most modern vehicle tracking systems use Global Positioning System (GPS) modules for accurate location of the vehicle. Many systems also combine a communications component such as cellular or satellite transmitters to communicate the vehicle’s location to a remote user. Vehicle information can be viewed on electronic maps via the Internet or specialized software.

Typical vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; location hardware (or tracking device) and vehicle tracking software. The tracking device is most often hardware installed in the vehicle; connected to the ignition switch, battery and antennae. The typical tracking hardware for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint its location and then updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval or after an event trigger, e.g. ignition on / off.  The location data is made available for viewing through many of the solutions sold today, via a website, accessed over the internet, where fleet activity can be viewed live or historically using digital maps and reports.

 Vehicle tracking is also described as being "Passive" and "Active".

• "Passive" devices store GPS location, speed, heading and sometimes a trigger event such as key on/off, door open/closed. Once the vehicle returns to a predetermined point, the device is removed and the data downloaded to a computer for evaluation. 
• "Active" devices also collect the same information but usually transmit the data in real-time via cellular or satellite networks to a computer or data centre for evaluation.

It is important for business managers to understand how vehicle tracking technology is best introduced. It is suggested that business owners should explain to drivers why the system is being proposed, how it will work, what it will achieve and what it will and won’t do.  How this is introduced can have a massive impact on its acceptance by the workforce. It should be explained that cases of vehicle theft, unauthorised use and speeding will be detected, but that any penalties will be defined in disciplinary procedures before the system starts. Employees should understand how the system will be used to improve emergency response in the case of accidents and to protect vulnerable lone workers. This should reassure employees and resolve the fears that result in the implementation of new technology.

 Benefits of Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle tracking technology has become an important requirement for effective fleet management and improving the safety of company drivers. The benefits of vehicle tracking include:

• Vehicle tracking systems reduce running costs by specifically targeting those who speed and waste fuel. 
• Fuel savings also means it softens the blow to the environment
• It reduces time wasted through vehicle maintenance. In addition, by having a service that ensures your vehicles are regularly serviced means that resale values for the fleet will be higher. It can also help to avoid penalties for issues such as bald tyres and tax as reminders are clear and precise. 
• Insurance companies often offer discounts to companies who implement a GPS vehicle tracking system. This is not only because it encourages safer driving, but also helps recovery if thefts do occur. 
• Vehicle tracking systems are popular in consumer vehicles as a theft prevention and retrieval device.
• When used as a security system, a Vehicle Tracking System may serve as either an addition to or replacement for a traditional car alarm.
• Productivity of workers can be increased by being able to keep track of lunch hours, exposing unauthorised stops and breaks and by evaluating the overtime requests of workers. 
• Tracking devices help businesses to become more “customer friendly”. 
• Drivers now only need a mobile phone with telephony or Internet connection to be inexpensively tracked by and dispatched efficiently to the customer.
• Business owners can find their most productive employees and use this information to implement further training or even implement a system of bonuses to enhance staff members' work ethic. 
• Mobile sales professionals can access real-time locations. For example, in unfamiliar areas, they can locate themselves as well as customers and prospects, get driving directions and add nearby last-minute appointments to itineraries. 
• Vehicle tracking systems will vastly reduce your phone bills as it is no longer a necessity to constantly call employees to find their location. 
• It provides easy access to answer enquiries rapidly and accurately.
• Vehicle tracking systems reduce the amount of paperwork that drivers must fill out. By doing this you not only soften the blow of introducing such a system, but also increase the accuracy of your records. 
• Business owners are more in touch with their business operations and see an increase in efficiency, productivity and accountability in their businesses.
• While paying the same wages many companies see a significant increase in productivity that often coincides with the installation of the tracking system.
• This leads to more jobs completed per day, reduced journey times, fuel savings and improved customer satisfaction.
• Improved health and safety – knowing the location of a workers vehicle can be of significant benefit if that person were to require immediate attention.

Vehicle Tracking enhancing road safety

The above benefits of vehicle tracking systems are well known amongst fleet management companies. It is also important for the vehicle owner to be alert to the benefits that vehicle equipment and software can have in protecting the physical safety and the general well being of loved ones.

We would like to reflect on a few of these benefits:

• In private cars, installing vehicle tracking software makes the concept of owning and running a private car less stressful for the owner.
• Emergency Assistance - vehicle tracking software will be able to provide accurate information of your car's whereabouts. In an emergency situation, this will enable instant access to receive medical or emergency assistance. 
• The police or tracking company can follow the signal emitted by the tracking system to locate a stolen vehicle.
• Car thieves might tend to stay clear of cars displaying a tracking system sticker or those known to have a tracking device.
• Data to show driving performance monitoring will not only improve driving but also help to optimise the performance of the vehicle.  
• Reducing the average speed of your vehicles and getting your vehicles to slow down and stay within the speed limits relate directly into reduced fuel consumption and maintenance.
• This could also lead to fewer accidents and a saving in your monthly running costs. 
• Insurance companies might provide a lesser premium if shown your vehicles are now driving slower, driving less distances and you are reducing the risk of accidents.
• The additional benefit of reducing speed is that you may hold on to your license longer and receive fewer traffic fines. 
• You can reduce your insurance liability, reduce servicing and maintenance costs with more money available for new and safe tyres. 
• Vehicle tracking technology might provide important evidence after an accident
• Vehicle tracking software not only provides totally accurate directions, but the system might also suggest alternative routes when traffic congestion is detected ahead.

Choosing a vehicle tracking solution

There is a wide range of vehicle tracking suppliers available and many might claim to be the best! The truth is there is no ‘best’ vehicle tracking supplier, but there will be a supplier whose vehicle tracking products and services meet your specific requirements, are reliable, well established, and offer good support at the right price.

What factors do you need to consider whilst making a decision on vehicle tracking for your vehicle?

• Never assume that all vehicle tracking systems are the same and just choose based on price
• Learn as much as you can about different systems. Research them on the Internet, call the companies and ask for literature. 
• The vehicle tracking system needs to be able to do what you require of it. Determine how much money you are willing to spend. 
• Check exactly what you are getting for your money. Check the fixed and variable costs, set up charges, annual software licensing etc. 
• Qualify and quantify each benefit and prove to yourself and others in your business that there would be a return on each of these benefits and that they are not just a ‘nice to have’.
• Reliability – The best way for you to establish whether a product is reliable is to speak to existing customers
• Customer support – technology is never perfect and vehicle tracking is no different. You will have problems with some of your units over time, which is to be expected, but you need to know that you have the support there when needed. 
• Financial Stability of the Tracking Supplier – there are a rapidly increasing number of tracking companies entering the industry, and almost as many are failing to survive in a very competitive environment. Enquire about your tracking supplier and find out a bit about their history. 
• Find out if, in addition to the fixed costs, there are additional monthly charges e.g. "Airtime". Monthly charges, in addition to the cost of the system itself, can add up. 
• Check the coverage of the tracking system. Are there black spots? If there are, where are they? 
• What happens to the data if the Vehicle Location Unit installed in the vehicle cannot transmit due to a coverage black spot? (lack of GSM, GPRS, Satellite Communications) Does the unit store the location updates? If so, how many and for how long?

It is important to be aware that the technology you acquire today may be quickly overtaken by the technology of tomorrow. Your vehicle tracking partner must be able to provide you with new technology and upgrades!

Conclusion

Vehicle tracking is important technology for the safety not only of fleets of vehicles –but also for the ordinary driver. This is to become even more important for road safety as the technology becomes increasingly accessible and inexpensive. The Arrive Alive website would like to urge all road users to investigate this technology as an important safety feature.