CMS News
Beating the behind-the-wheel bullies
Kidderminster’s women learn the art of roadside defence
A car confidence evening held this week by a Vauxhall dealership in Kidderminster, in Worcestershire, has made local women more aware of how to protect themselves against the dangers they could face on the road. The course was a self-help initiative organised by CMS Kiddermisnter to help teach women drivers the basics of mechanics and personal self-protection, so that they are less likely to be left stranded and vulnerable by the roadside.
It included roadside get-you-home tips, defensive driving and how to ward off a possible ‘road rage’ attacker. Following a recent spate of stories about aggressive driving in the media, women (and quite a few men) attending a Women in the Driving Seat car workshop evening at CMS’s showroom in Churchfields, Kidderminster, turned out en masse to learn about driving in today’s stressful conditions.
Karate instructor and self-protection specialist Grant Hicks made the subject of defending yourself from a would-be mugger both entertaining and instructive. He developed the personal safety theme and demonstrated a quick-fire method of foiling a would-be assailant, which involved disarming him - or her - in three easy moves with the aid of everyday objects such as a torch or a pen.
“Women are perceived as being more vulnerable than men and are seen as an easy target when it comes to road rage,” said Grant. “Also, other people are scared to get involved, even if they see it’s a woman being attacked, so you have to be able to defend yourself.”
The evening continued with advice on motoring in today’s stressful driving conditions and dealing with behind-the-wheel bullies, explored by Institute of Advanced Motorists driving specialist Mike Lyne, who invited members of the audience to share their experiences - often with dramatic revelations about their own behaviour when under pressure.
“It’s aggressive and angry behaviour behind the wheel that creates the sorts of incidents we have all been hearing about recently. It usually starts with something minor - a flash of the headlights, a sound of a horn, then a bit of verbal abuse and the next thing is there’s an ugly confrontation - or worse. Mouthing sorry can stop a minor incident turning into road rage,” he said. “If you know you’re wrong, just say it. If it’s gone beyond that and you’re dealing with a violent man, keep your distance – invading his personal space isn’t going to make the situation better. Speak calmly and never, ever, smile. That will only pour petrol onto what is an emotional bonfire,” added Mike.
Next, the visitors headed for the workshops where volunteers were encouraged to change a car’s wheel under the supervision of the Vauxhall dealership’s service technicians and were given practical advice including dealing with roadside emergencies, routine car maintenance and checking oil and fluid levels.
Jean McLean, a toning bed specialist from Kidderminster, welcomed CMS’s practical approach: “I didn’t know what I should do if my car broke down by the roadside until tonight. I don’t tend to look under my car’s bonnet, but now I feel I could cope with most situations. I don’t think women can afford any longer to ignore the dangers on our roads,” she confessed. “CMS Vauxhall’s Women in the Driving Seat evening was well organised and great fun too. I feel that I have learned something useful about my car today.
Kay Williams, a sports injury therapist, agreed that the practical approach was best: “I found the practical advice on personal self protection simple and practical and, though I’ll hopefully never have do this kind of thing, I know I can look after myself if my car breaks down when I’m on my own. It’s good that courses like these equip women to take control in these situations and be better able to cope with today’s road conditions,” she said.
If they prove popular, more courses will be held by the dealership and times will once again be geared towards public demand, says CMS Vauxhall. For further information about future Women in the Driving Seat evenings ring CMS Vauxhall on tel: 01562 749 000.