How to survive a carjacking

NILES, Mich.-- If you are ever in a situation where someone is attempting to take you and your car, police say it's important to escape from your abductor because protecting your car is not worth losing your life.



Sergeant Timothy Thompson said, “If there’s a gun or knife right against you and you have that immediate threat, there’s no perfect answer.”



Police said if your life is not in danger, abandon your car and try to escape immediately.



If your abductor puts you in the trunk of a car, make as much commotion as you can. If they make you drive, draw attention to yourself!



Thompson said, “Honk your horn, flash your lights, bump into another vehicle because that’s going to get someone’s attention.”



Many car companies now install emergency releases in the trunks of their cars.



If you can't find the emergency release, punch the lights out, and poke your hand or foot through the hole.



While you're driving it's important to keep your doors locked, windows up, and leave plenty of space around you to escape an attacker.



Sgt. Thompson said, “Park away from obstacles such as a large snowbank or a tree where somebody can hide and surprise you when you’re coming out.”



Police said many people survive these situations by giving up their car and running away from their abductor to get help.