What To Do If Someone Tries to Steal Your Car While You're In It
Because carjacking doesn't wait for convenience — and neither should your safety plan.
Imagine this: You’re sitting in your car — maybe waiting for your food, checking directions, or just finishing a text. In a flash, a stranger opens your door, or worse, points a weapon and demands the vehicle.
Your adrenaline spikes. Your heart pounds. And suddenly you’re in a life-or-death situation — with zero time to think.
Whether you’re alone or your kids are in the back seat, knowing what to do in a carjacking attempt is essential. At California Defense Academy in Murrieta, we teach Krav Maga, a real-world self defense system designed to keep you alive — not win trophies.
Here’s what to do when someone tries to steal your car while you’re in it.
🚗 If You’re Alone in the Car: Escape Is the Goal.
You are not protecting your car. You’re protecting you.
If someone approaches your car aggressively:
Don’t open the door or roll down your window.
Drive away if possible. Even if that means hitting a curb, reversing fast, or scraping something — it’s worth it.
If you’re stuck in traffic or can’t drive off, throw your keys in one direction and run the other. Most attackers want the vehicle, not a confrontation. Distance buys time.
Krav Maga teaches you this:
When the threat is armed or close, you only fight if escape isn’t an option. Physical confrontation is Plan C — after awareness and avoidance.
👶 If You Have Kids in the Car: The Rules Change.
This is where it gets personal. You’re not just thinking about escape — you’re thinking about them.
Here's what to do:
Shout “My kids are in the car!” as loud as you can. Not just to alert the attacker — but to draw attention from bystanders.
Get between the attacker and your child. If they’re reaching in from the driver’s side, unbuckle your child and move them toward the passenger door.
Leave with your child if possible. If the car can’t move and escape is your only choice, you may have to grab them and run — fast.
If your child is too young or buckled in:
This is where Krav Maga training becomes crucial. You may need to physically incapacitate the attacker long enough to get your child out. That means targeting vulnerable areas fast — eyes, throat, groin — and creating space.
You’re not fighting for your car. You’re fighting for your kid’s life.
🛑 Bonus: How to Prevent a Carjacking Before It Happens
Prevention is part of self defense too.
Keep your doors locked at all times, even when parked.
Stay off your phone in parking lots or while idling.
Park in well-lit, visible areas.
Check your surroundings before entering or exiting the car.
These aren’t just habits — they’re strategies.
Why We Train for This at C.D.A.
Real-life violence doesn’t happen with rules or warnings. That’s why at California Defense Academy, our Krav Maga program prepares adults in Murrieta to deal with situations exactly like this — where chaos, panic, and adrenaline are part of the fight.
Whether you're protecting yourself or your child, our goal is always the same:
Go. Home. Safe.
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