Almost 50,000 attempted carjacking cases occur each year in the United States. Most do not succeed. However, some of them result in car theft, rapes, beatings or even murder.
If you're carrying a concealed gun in your handbag and someone attempts a carjacking, you might choose to use your weapon. However, before risking your life by possibly getting involved in a shooting, try to avoid your vehicle being carjacked in the first place.
Always park in well-lit areas
No matter where you go, make sure that your car is parked in a well-lit area. Carjackers will hesitate to act if they can be seen or heard by people.
Keep your strong hand free
While you are approaching your parked vehicle, keep your strong hand available, and the keys in the other. In case you are attacked, you will have time to land a surprise punch into your aggressor's face or a kick to the belly or crotch, and run away.
Attitude
Too many times, women are targeted by carjackers because they look like the perfect victims, meek and unable to fight back. While you walk towards your car, keep your head up and scan the area. Carjackers do not usually approach car owners that look guarded, and prefer victims that are more oblivious to their surroundings.
When you get in your car, put your bag on the floor
Carjackers are often tempted by a bag or a laptop left in the car. Consider hiding or keeping important items on the floor of the vehicle, so they cannot be easily spotted from the outside. Also, if you keep your gun in your bag, make sure to take it with you, even if you leave the vehicle for a short time. The last thing you want is to provide a potential attacker access to a weapon.
Lock your doors and drive away
Women are more likely to become victims of a carjacking because before starting a car they tend to spend time putting their things in order, putting on a seatbelt and so on. This gives any possible attacker the necessary time to act. As soon as you are in the vehicle, lock the doors and drive away. Put your seatbelt on once you get away from your parking area.
Avoid making physical contact with the attacker
In case of a carjacking, the most common sense advice is to leave the car and save your life. Try to throw your keys away from your attacker or toward the passenger area of the car, giving you time to get away. Making an attacker search for the keys can provide valuable time for an escape.
Be assertive
If you have your child in the car, do not waste any time. Just say 'my child is in the backseat', while you unbuckle the belt and take him or her away. Never wait for the carjacker to give you permission, just act fast and be determined. Grab your child and go.
Only half of all carjacking attempts succeed. Your gun should be a last resort. By staying informed, aware and vigilant, you and your family can be safe too.
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