Here’s Why Cancelling Your Car Insurance Is A Terrible Idea
If you don’t have insurance and are hit by an uninsured driver, your medical care won’t be covered, and neither will the repairs to your car.
Carjacking on the increase yet again
According to the official crime stats released last week, carjacking increased by 92.2% for the period April 2021 to 30 June 2021 compared to the same period last year. This figure, however, was adjusted to 13.2% when compared to the same period during 2019/2020.
- A car is replaceable a life is not. Do not argue, fight or try anything dangerous to escape the situation. News stories about drivers whose ‘heroic’ actions helped them escape would be far lower if the stories of people who tried fighting, but failed, were published.
- Indicate your willingness to comply. A hijack extraction course will teach you the steps to take that will indicate to a criminal that you will surrender the car.
- Before it is a real-life situation, teach your children how to react if they are ever in a carjacking. This includes learning what is the best way to get your children out of the car and sharing this with them in a manner that they will remember.
- Ensure you regularly practice getting out of a vehicle in the same way you would during a carjacking – as often as possible. Make it the normal way you exit your car so that if it had to happen, it is muscle memory and you react automatically.
As the economy continues to struggle to recover, it is unlikely the next crime stats will improve by much. Ensure no matter what the stats say, that you are constantly aware and know what to do if you come face-to-face with a carjacker.
Source: MasterDrive
Ford Ranger proves that armoured protection isn’t just for Limousines
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa together with SVI Engineering are excited to announce the availability of Ford-approved armoured protection for the Ranger – a first for any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in South Africa.
The Ranger is among the best-selling vehicles in South Africa, and the introduction of armoured protection will help establish its position in an entirely new segment both for private and fleet customers.
“While we all wish there was no need for armoured civilian vehicles anywhere in the world, being able to provide outstanding levels of safety for customers is deeply rooted in Ford’s DNA, with armoured protection being no exception. We see armoured vehicle protection as a next step into a potentially life-saving sector”. says Neale Hill, MD of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
The Ranger is the only armoured bakkie in South Africa that can be ordered directly from a franchise dealer. This means customers can place an order for an armoured Ranger at any one of the 134 Ford dealerships around the country.
Jaco de Kock, CEO at SVI Engineering says, “The Ranger is one of the best-selling bakkies in South Africa. Its quality mirrors the well-proven ballistic protection and track record of SVI’s armouring solutions.”
SVI offers two levels of Ford-approved armoured protection for the Ranger, across all models, powertrains and derivatives. The armour protection has been specifically designed with the overall dynamics, quality, in-car technology and Built Ford Tough DNA in mind.
An integral part of SVI’s armoured technology is the high-quality glass which consists of special layers of glass and polycarbonate material to withstand compression and tension forces. It is this strong combination that forms the ballistic barrier by dissipating the energy of a bullet on impact while avoiding distortion.
The Ranger is the only armoured bakkie in South Africa that can be ordered directly from a franchise dealer.
B4 Armoured Specification
B4 offers customers bullet-resistant protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum. This is a typical anti-hijack solution that also offers protection against brick-throwing and other hand-held projectiles. The protection consists of 18-21mm armoured glass in combination with Kevlar sheets for the body. It is extremely discreet and, at only 280kg on the Ranger Double Cab, also lightweight with minimal impact on vehicle acceleration, fuel consumption and dynamic performance. The build time of a B4 armoured Ranger is around eight weeks.
B6 Armoured Specification
B6 is the highest level of civilian protection allowed without a special permit and has been designed for the valuables-in-transit industry as well as high-profile individuals needing the ultimate level of protection. This has been designed to protect against the ammunition fired by the R1 assault rifle and the AK47. This comprehensive protection comprises 38mm armoured glass and special armoured steel plates. Due to the additional 650kg of armour, the Ranger’s suspension is upgraded accordingly.
With the B6 armour protection option, customers can choose between a discreet appearance, or the cost-effective non-discreet option, called Stopgun V2.0. The discreet option features upgrades not easily identifiable on the vehicle, versus the more obvious protection on the non-discreet Stopgun option. The discreet option takes 12 weeks to build, while the Stopgun security option can be installed in only two weeks.
By responding to customer feedback, the B4 option is available only in the discreet appearance form, which caters mainly for those individuals who want a level of armoured protection without compromising the interior and exterior aesthetics of their vehicle.
All new Ford Rangers come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included which covers six services. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
In addition, customers receive a one year/50 000km warranty on the armouring components from SVI Engineering.
| Model | B6 Stop gun V2.0 non-discreet | B4 discreet | B6 discreet |
| Ford Ranger Single Cab | R234 413 | R338 386 | R527 990 |
| Ford Ranger Super Cab | R271 163 | R454 371 | R688 225 |
| Ford Ranger Double Cab | R335 202 | R454 371 | R688 225 |
Pricing excludes VAT and purchase price of vehicle
Tips To Help You Avoid Being Hijacked
Car hijackings are a common occurrence in South Africa and on the ride daily. Many motorists have fallen victim to this heinous crime or know of someone who has.
Although hijackers can be extremely determined, there are few basic anti-hijacking safety tips you could implement in your everyday driving routine which may help you avoid becoming a car hijacking victim:
- If you use a mapping service, you can share your route with your family members so they can track your journey. You should look at changing your routine and alternating routes so your schedule isn’t predictable by anyone who may be watching you and targeting your vehicle.
- Be conscious when pulling out of your driveway or coming home at night, most hijackings occur close to home. Around 80% of hijackings happen in driveways. The hijackers have likely been watching your daily habits and choose a day when you are distracted to strike.
- Always look in your rear-view mirror, if you suspect you are being followed, slow down at least two to three houses before you arrive at your house or intended destination. Try and force the vehicle behind you to pass or keep driving past your house and stop at a police station or flag down your local security company for help.
- If you have an electric gate, always open your gate before you pull into your driveway. This will allow for a quick escape if necessary.
- If you do not have an electric gate and your child is in the car, take the car key with you as you open the gate. The car key can be used as a valuable negotiating tool, the criminals will want your car and you want your child.
- Don’t fall for the “tap tap” trap where the driver of another vehicle gently drives into the back of your car in traffic. Never get out of your car to look at the damage. Rather drive to a busy location or a police station. Signal the other driver to follow you. If it’s not a real accident they will seldom follow you to the busy location or the police station.
- Another tactic that is often used by hijackers is forcing a gun into your open window while you are smoking. It is always a good idea to keep your windows closed when approaching a known hijacking hotspot.
Remember to test your tracking device and assist button frequently.
Hijacking on the increase
Crime is only expected to get worse as the unemployment rate grows
– Eugene Herbert, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MASTERDRIVE
The national crime statistics for the 2019/2020 period were released by Police Minister, Bheki Cele. He revealed that car hijacking was up 13.3% while there was an increase in truck hijackings by 1.7%. Between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020, 18 162 motorists were hijacked while 2 384 trucks saw a similar fate.
The Managing Director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, urges drivers to take cognisance of these stats. “It is particularly concerning in the COVID-19 environment. Crime is only expected to get worse as the unemployment rate grows. Job losses and few new opportunities may result in people becoming desperate for an alternative source of income that some may take.
The hijacker is likely very nervous and may make a rash decision
– EUGENE HERBERT, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MASTERDRIVE
“Even being as vigilant as before may fall by the wayside as people focus on sanitising their hands and vehicle when they climb into their cars rather than driving off as soon as possible. For others, a changed way of life as a result of lockdown may result in people becoming careless and complacent. During the coming months, however, we strongly advise motorists to step up their vigilance.”
Constant vigilance is particularly important as crimes of opportunity may increase. “Those turning to crime as a result of desperation, are not ‘career criminals’ and more likely to seize an opportunity when they see it. This also creates quite a volatile situation. The hijacker is likely very nervous and may make a rash decision. If you do find yourself in this situation, rather comply and do not make them more nervous.
“If you are in the habit of sanitising your hands as you get in the car, be sure to look around you first and be aware of the current situation. If you feel unsettled, rather sanitise when you arrive home. If you avoid habits such as touching your face, you can safely delay hand sanitising until home. Don’t, however, skip sanitising the car in this instance because you could have now spread the virus to your steering wheel, seatbelt and gearstick among other spots, if it was on your hands.”
Avoid carelessness and complacency and prioritise awareness and compliance instead. “By doing this you could potentially avoid becoming a victim and if not, protect yourself from harm,” advises Herbert.
