Sturgess Of Leicester Puts Leicestershire Women In Gear
We’ve all felt uneasy at times, being approached by a stranger in a deserted car park late at night or breaking down by the side of the road and having another car pull up next to you. These situations are few and far between, but they do happen
Alfa Romeo dealership Sturgess on Almond Road, Leicester, has come to the aid of local women drivers by launching a free ‘Women in Gear’ evening on Tuesday, November 17. Men are also welcome to attend. Practical instruction on personal awareness and self-protection, basic car maintenance and self-help will be top of the agenda and advice will be given on reducing the risks women face when driving for work or socially, including dealing with so-called ‘road rage’ in other drivers.
The increase in road traffic in the UK – up to 50 per cent in the last two decades – is an important factor and this is set to rise by an alarming 100 per cent in the next 20 years, predict motoring experts.
In a survey of more than 1,000 otorists carried out by the RAC Foundation, 87 per cent of drivers said that they had been a road rage victim at least once, while 20 per cent claimed to have experienced it more than ten times. Even more alarming was the admission by 71 per cent to having indulged in road rage themselves and the majority
claimed that they had felt justified in either perpetrating or responding aggressively to road rage.
Personal safety and security are imperative for everyone, particularly women today. The menace of aggressive, inconsiderate driving on our roads seems to be increasing at the moment and we believe that all it takes is a little care and consideration to avoid
situations which can escalate into the kinds of tragic incidents we have all heard about recently, said Nichola Moore, the event organiser. We want them to enjoy their independence and freedom and be able to travel safely and confidently on our roads. We hope that by highlighting the risks facing women drivers, it will provide them with a wealth of information and practical advice, she added.
In addition to car safety, the psychology behind car confidence will be explored by ex-Police Chief Inspector and human behaviour specialist Vic Botterill, with practical advice on defensive driving and combating the hazards of modern driving, including so-called ‘road rage’, which members of the audience can take part in. Advice will also be given about the frequent causes of aggressive, dangerous driving and ‘motorway madness’, with the audience encouraged to share their own experiences and how they could have
been avoided with him.
But the course is not designed to encourage motorists to take the law into their own hands by becoming attackers themselves, emphasised Nichola: “Our Women in Gear evening is free to anyone who wishes to steer clear of trouble or be able to deal with their own, personal ‘road rage’. Judging from the response we are already receiving, we are expecting a lot of interest in this course,” she explained. As part of the course, volunteers from the audience will be invited to take part in role-play by a personal self-protection specialist and learn how to beat the bullies behind the wheel and, if diplomacy fails, how to use everyday objects normally found about one’s person for personal self-protection and to ensure a rapid escape from a would-be attacker.
Not many vehicles are equipped with full tool-kits nowadays, so Sturgess’s service technicians will also offer visitors practical hands-on advice on dealing with roadside emergencies, routine car maintenance and car safety checks. The evening is free and all
will be encouraged to roll up their sleeves and ‘have a go’ themselves under the guidance of experienced motor technicians, promises the dealership. Gloves will be provided.
“A Women in Gear evening is a realistic approach to combating road danger because it takes place over one evening, is fun, and tackles a whole range of possible situations. But hurry, because places are bound to go fast, advised Nichola.
Anybody interested in attending the free Women in Gear event at Sturgess of Leicester on Tuesday, November 17 can telephone 0116 275 8800 to reserve places.
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