A Bishop's Stortford motor dealer is so concerned with an apparent rise in road rage incidents that it has decided to launch its own car safety course for women, aimed at dealing with behind-the-wheel bullies.

But not only will it offer practical instruction on defensive driving and how to ward off a possible ‘road rage’ attacker - the course at Charvill's in Stansted Road will also ensure that basic car maintenance is top of the agenda.

Do you know what goes on behind the wheel?

Women drivers will have the chance to learn the basics of mechanics so that they are less likely to be left stranded and vulnerable by the roadside, as well as being given invaluable roadside get-you-home tips.

This topical new evening class called Safety at the Wheel is being launched on 12 November by the Vauxhall dealership at its showroom in Bishop’s Stortford.

Survey
In a recent survey of more than 1,000 motorists carried out by the RAC Foundation, 87 per cent of drivers said they had been a road rage victim at least once, while 20 per cent claimed to have experienced it more than 10 times.

Even more alarming was the admission by 71 per cent to having indulged in road rage themselves and the majority claimed they felt justified in either perpetrating or responding aggressively to road rage.

Joanna Aldridge, group marketing manager of Charvills, says that it just takes a little thought to avoid these kinds of scenarios and stop them becoming something far more serious.

“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” she says.

Psychology
In addition to car safety, the psychology behind car confidence will be demonstrated by local ex-Police Chief Inspector and human behaviour specialist Vic Botterill.

Advice will 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.

Women will learn about self-protection

Volunteers from the audience will also be invited to use role-play to learn how to beat the bullies and, if diplomacy fails, how to use everyday objects for personal self-protection and ensure escape from prospective attackers.

However, the course is not designed to encourage motorists to take the law into their own hands by becoming attackers themselves.

“Our Safety at the Wheel evening is free to anyone who wishes to steer clear of trouble or be able to deal with their own, personal ‘road rage’" she explains.

Car safety
The evening will also include practical, hands-on advice from Charvills’ service technicians 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’ under the guidance of experienced motor technicians. Gloves and overalls will be provided!

“A Safety at the Wheel 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” adds Joanna.

"Judging from the response we are already receiving, we are expecting a lot of interest in this course.”

Those interested in attending the Safety at the Wheel evening should telephone Katie Luckett at Charvills on 01920 888600 for a free invitation.