How to Save Yourself Inside a Kidnapper's Car

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It is much easier to save yourself from a kidnapping if you escape from your abductor before he puts you inside of a vehicle. However, if you are forced into a car or if your vehicle is carjacked with you inside of it, there are still things you can do to save yourself from your kidnapper.

Steps

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    If the kidnapper forces you into the passenger side door in the front of the vehicle, move quickly across the seat and exit from the driver's door, or climb into the back seat of the car and escape from a back door. [1]
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    Use anything you have handy, such as a piece of gum from your mouth, a button off your clothes or a barrette from your hair. Use the distraction to help yourself escape.
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    Escape from the car while the kidnapper is chasing the keys. [2]
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    Your chances of being seriously injured in the accident are less than your chances of being hurt by the kidnapper. The accident will call attention to you and your situation.
    • Grab the steering wheel and turn it sharply to the left or right, causing the car to strike another vehicle.
    • Use your foot or hand to push down on the gas pedal and make the car hit the vehicle in front of you.
    • Push down on the brake pedal, causing the vehicle behind you to hit the car that you are in.
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    Even if this does not save you immediately, it may cause someone to notice the make and plate of the vehicle and possibly call the police if the bystander suspects something is wrong.
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    Claw at his face and eyes to force him to stop driving or cause an accident.
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    Yell, wave your arms, and use facial expressions to signal to other drivers through the window that you are in trouble and in need of help.
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    Pull the lever to open the trunk and escape. [3]
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    Kick through the panel leading to the brake lights and then kick the lights out if you are in the trunk and can not find a release lever. Stick your arm out through the hole where the lights were and wave it around to draw the attention of other motorists. [4]
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    This increases the chances that the kidnapper may get pulled over by the police.
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  12. 12
    If you are locked up inside the trunk you may look for the first aid kit under the carpet which you can get some improvised weapons from. This may also help you if you are tied up.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if the criminal is not using a van when he threatens you, and you have nowhere to run?
    RadRaptor123
    Community Answer
    Try shouting "fire!" This will get other people's attention instead of just saying "I'm being kidnapped!"
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Is it necessary to cause an accident if you are kidnapped?
    RadRaptor123
    Community Answer
    No, it is not necessary, but it will draw attention to you and/or the vehicle if there are other cars around.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    I don't have a phone. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to have a phone. Use the tips in the article above.
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      Tips

      • If a kidnapper is trying to put you in a vehicle, keep your arms and head above the car to make it more difficult for him to push you in. Scream and draw attention to yourself and the situation.
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      • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Make a mental note of towns you travel through, street signs and landmarks so you can tell the authorities where to find you if you get a chance to call for help.
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      • If escape does not seem possible, befriend your kidnapper and tell him personal things about yourself. It is more difficult to hurt somebody you know.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.today.com/parents/how-protect-kids-predators-kidnappers-2D80555715
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/parents/how-protect-kids-predators-kidnappers-2D80555715
      3. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seal-explains-how-to-escape-from-a-car-trunk-2016-1
      4. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seal-explains-how-to-escape-from-a-car-trunk-2016-1

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