Nationwide Autocentre helps women to fight 'road rage'

A bunch of keys and an ordinary pen are an unlikely first line of defence if one is attacked, but at Nationwide Autocentre’s Go Girls event later this month this is the practical approach you can expect.

An evening devoted to self-help and tackling driving dangers will take place at Nationwide Autocentre in Riga Wharf, Bristol Road, Gloucester, on Thursday, January 29 and will focus on what Nationwide describes as “an entertaining but thoroughly down-to-earth approach”. The event is free to all members of the public and will be in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

The three-hour course aims to tackle the issues faced by women drivers with practical ‘hands on’ instruction and advice. Men are also welcome to attend the event, emphasises Nationwide.

Attendees will be encouraged to take part throughout the night, which will be split into three main parts. There will be practical instruction and role-play on personal awareness and self-protection 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.

Visitors will be also be given practical ‘hands on’ instruction on changing a car wheel in safety, weekly under-bonnet maintenance and fluid checks, what to do in the event of a breakdown and how to cope with roadside emergencies. The evening concludes with role-play exercises, intended to recreate dangerous and aggressive situations. Tips and advice will be given on personal safety, self-protection and how to defuse potential conflict situations with a would-be aggressor.

Martin Richardson, general manager of Nationwide Autocentre in Gloucester, commented: “This course is designed to ensure women are more comfortable with their cars, making them feel safe and empowering them when it comes to looking under the bonnet or changing a wheel. We also want to prepare women for some of the dangers surrounding modern day motoring. We hope as many people as possible will attend what promises to be a fantastic evening.”

Those interested in attending the free Go Girls event at Nationwide Autocentre in Gloucester on January 29 can telephone 01992 503129 to reserve places.