Features editor Julia Ogden reports as a Peterborough garage gave out tips and practical advice for women drivers:
Vauxhall Marshall in Boongate, Peterborough, hosted the self-help course so women drivers could learn the basics of mechanics and self-protection.
The Women in the Driving Seat course also included roadside get- you-home tips, defensive driving and how to ward off a possible road rage attacker from a host of special guests.
Related: Julia Ogden's feature - A confidence boost for women drivers.
Here are some tips:
- Have your car serviced regularly (according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule).
- Don't run out of fuel – get into the habit of filling when the tank's half empty rather than waiting for the warning light.
- Check oil, water and other fluids regularly – the handbook will help you.
- Check tyre condition and pressure regularly – the handbook will tell you the correct pressure. Damaged or excessively worn tyres should be renewed. Don't forget to check the spare.
- Attend to any faults promptly, rather than waiting for them to get worse or hoping they'll go away.
- If a warning light stays on, check the handbook for advice – in some circumstances you can drive on safely.
- Plan unfamiliar journeys and try to stick to main roads.
- Carry a mobile phone, ensure that it's charged and has sufficient call credit.
- Keep a coat, sensible shoes, blanket, torch, and money in the car.
- If you break down, if possible, drive on to a well lit, busy area such as a filling station rather than stopping in a dark, remote spot. Keep doors locked while waiting. A patrol/mechanic will carry proof of identity – ask to see this before opening a window or unlocking your car.
- On motorways it's much safer to retreat up the bank, or behind a barrier rather than wait in the car. If you do feel at risk from another person, return to your vehicle by a left-hand door and lock all doors. Leave your vehicle again as soon as you feel this danger has passed.
- Keep valuables, briefcase, laptop, handbag and mobile phone out of sight.
- Keep the doors and tailgate locked during your journey and, if required, open windows only partially – particularly in town.
- You must stop for the police but it's quite reasonable to ask for identification through a closed window and keep the engine running until you are satisfied.
- Never give lifts to strangers.
- Beware of anyone who tries to signal that there's something wrong with your car, unless you know they're right and it is dangerous to drive on.
- Look for car parks displaying the Park Mark logo, indicating that they're members of the Safer Parking Scheme
- If you park on the street choose a busy, well-lit place, and have your car keys ready as you return to the car.
The full article contains 473 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
