Coping with the aftermath of a hijacking

Hijacking is one of the most traumatic crimes a motorist can face – not only because it means losing your car, but because criminals are becoming increasingly violent. In some cases, hijackers even take drivers hostage, making the experience far more dangerous and emotionally devastating. That’s why prevention is essential. But if you’ve been a victim of a hijacking, it’s just as important to know what to expect emotionally and how to recover.

For most people, a hijacking overwhelms normal coping mechanisms and can negatively affect daily life. Trauma responses differ from person to person, but it’s important to understand that these reactions are normal.

Common trauma symptoms after a hijacking include:
• Disrupted sleep and eating patterns.
• Chronic fatigue or exhaustion.
• Skin rashes or hair loss caused by stress.
• Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness.
• Flashbacks brought on by familiar sights, sounds, or locations connected to the hijacking.

Emotionally, you may feel anxious, tearful, angry, depressed, or suspicious of others. Many hijacking victims experience recurring nightmares or fear of driving. Some even develop conditions such as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if the trauma isn’t addressed.

Recovering from such a violent crime takes time, and everyone’s journey is different. Some people experience personal growth after trauma, while others struggle with ongoing fear and negative coping mechanisms like substance abuse. Positive coping strategies, such as seeking therapy or professional trauma counselling, can make all the difference.

Here are some practical tips for emotional recovery after a hijacking:
• Give yourself time to heal and process what happened.
• Be patient with emotional ups and downs.
• Allow yourself to feel emotions without guilt or judgement.
• Reconnect with difficult emotions in a safe way, like through therapy.

Many victims think they can handle their feelings alone, but trauma can have lasting effects. If you’ve been through a hijacking, reach out to a trauma specialist or counsellor for support and guidance.

If a child was present during the hijacking, the emotional impact can be even greater. Children often feel confused, fearful, and may show behavioural changes. Offering reassurance is important, but professional help from a mental health expert is strongly recommended to help them process the experience.

While no system can prevent every hijacking, vehicle tracking technology plays a critical role in improving safety and ensuring rapid recovery after an incident. Modern car tracking devices allow tracking companies to locate stolen vehicles and, in some cases, respond quickly enough to assist victims and authorities. Regularly testing your tracking device is essential to make sure it’s working when you need it most.

Hijackings are unpredictable and deeply traumatic, but you are not alone. Stay alert, invest in safety tools like vehicle tracking, and seek professional support if you’ve been affected. Prioritising your emotional well-being after a hijacking is just as important as recovering your vehicle.