The most common location is at stop signs or traffic lights. The next most common location is convenience store parking lots, with the victim using the pay phone, coming out of the store, or pumping gas. The third most common location is residential driveways. Although carjackings have received a great deal of attention, your chances of being a victim are slim. Most take only 15 to 20 seconds to complete.
Carjackings can be violent.
Drivers have been beaten and even murdered while being pulled out of their car. Carjackers are usually armed either with a gun or knife. Carjackings may first involve a minor traffic accident. When the victim gets out of the car to check the damage the suspect pulls a weapon and takes the car. Giving the appearance of not paying attention and not being alert is what suspects look for in a victim.