What to do if you are hijacked with your child in the car

While the prospect of experiencing a hijacking when you have your child in the car with you is a terrifying thought, it's important to be prepared for such an unfortunate event. No one wants to imagine the worst-case scenario, but understanding how to respond can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your family safe. Here’s what you need to know in case you ever find yourself in this type of high-stress, life-threatening situation.

Unbuckle the child and exit the car together
To protect your young child, ensure their car seat is positioned so that you can easily reach back and unbuckle them without leaving the driver’s seat. An older child can usually unbuckle the seat belt themselves. Once unbuckled, pull your child into the front and exit the car together. This minimises the risk of a hijacker taking control of the car while your child is still in the back seat.

What if you can't exit from the front together?
If you're unable to unbuckle your child while still in the car or you can’t exit the car from the front together, try take the car key with you as a bargaining tool. Calmly communicate to the hijacker that you need to get your child out. Exit the car, open the back door, and lean in strategically with one foot inside the car behind the driver’s seat. This positioning ensures that if the hijacker drives off you'll be pulled into the car with your child.

Preparation is key
Be prepared for the possibility of a hijacking by deciding on a plan and discussing it with your child if they’re old enough to understand. Planning ahead will help you to stay calm and respond quickly to protect your family in a hijacking situation. Your priority should always be your safety, not the vehicle or possessions.