Carjacking: Understanding the Threat and Protecting Yourself and Family Gregg Kielma 01/11/2026 At Tactical K Training and Firearms , students practice live fire simulated carjacking scenarios at our outdoor range. Practice is essential. Kielma continues, carjacking has become one of the most unpredictable and dangerous crimes on the road. It happens fast, often without warning, and can leave victims shaken or seriously harmed. While no one can eliminate risk entirely, informed drivers can dramatically reduce their chances of being targeted—and improve their ability to survive an encounter safely. I emphasize a simple truth: your vehicle is replaceable; your life is not. Avoidance, awareness, and smart decision making are your strongest tools. Understanding these patterns helps you stay ahead of the threat. Let’s Take a LOOK Why Carjackings Happen Carjackers rely on: • Surprise — They strike when drivers are distracted or boxed in. • Opportunity — Unlocked doors, running vehicles, and isolated areas make easy targets. • Speed — Most incidents last seconds, not minutes. Situations Where Carjackings Commonly Occur: These are moments when your attention is divided, and criminals know it. • Gas stations and convenience stores • Parking lots—especially at night or in low visibility areas • Stoplights and traffic jams • Home driveways and garages • When entering or exiting your vehicle • When loading children or gear into the car How to Avoid Becoming a Target 1. Stay Alert and Situationally Aware: Awareness is your first line of defense. • Keep your head up and scan your surroundings. • Avoid sitting in your car while distracted by your phone. • Watch for people loitering near your vehicle or approaching with unusual intent. 2. Control Your Environment: Small habits make a big difference. • Keep doors locked at all times. • Leave enough space between you and the car ahead to maneuver. • Avoid parking next to large vans or vehicles that block visibility. • Park in well lit, populated areas. 3. Be Smart at Stoplights • Keep windows up when possible. • If someone approaches aggressively, drive away if it’s safe. • Avoid getting boxed in—maintain an escape route. 4. Protect Yourself at Gas Stations • Turn off the engine, lock the doors, and take the keys with you. • Stand in a position where you can see your surroundings. • Avoid fueling late at night if possible. 5. Use Your Home as a Safe Zone • Don’t sit in your driveway with the engine running. • Close your garage door before exiting your vehicle. • Be cautious when returning home—criminals often follow victims to their residence. If a Carjacking Happens to YOU: Your priority is survival—not property. • Comply if threatened with a weapon. A vehicle is not worth your life. • Move slowly and keep your hands visible. • Do not fight over the vehicle unless you are in immediate danger of being kidnapped. • Escape the area as soon as you can and call 911. If you carry a firearm, remember: Training and Practice is Paramount to Surviving a Violent Encounter • You are responsible for every round fired. • Shooting from inside a vehicle is extremely dangerous. • Only draw your firearm if you are facing an imminent threat to life and cannot safely escape. This aligns with my core teaching: Avoid when possible, Escape when you can, Defend only when you must. Additional Protective Measures • Install dash cameras with parking mode. • Use remote start features to keep doors locked while warming up the car. • Keep valuables out of sight. • Consider defensive driving and situational awareness training. Kielma’s Parting Shot Carjackings are fast, violent, and unpredictable—but they are also highly preventable. By staying alert, controlling your environment, and making smart decisions, you significantly reduce your risk. And if the worst happens, prioritizing your life over your vehicle is the key to surviving the encounter.