Beating the behind-the-wheel bullies with Thurlow Nunn

A car confidence evening organised by a Vauxhall dealership in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, has made local women more aware of how to protect themselves against the dangers they could face on the road.

The event was a self-help course organised by Thurlow Nunn to help teach local 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, more than 100 women (and quite a few men) attending a Women in the Driving Seat car workshop evening at Thurlow Nunn’s showroom in Campbell’s Meadow, Hardwick Road, Kings Lynn, this week 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 psychology behind dangerous and aggressive driving behaviour and dealing with behind-the-wheel bullies was also explored by ex-Police Chief Inspector Vic Botterill, who gave his audience advice about avoiding the need to use one of Grant’s techniques when faced with road rage. “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,” emphasised Vic.

The visitors headed for Thurlow Nunn’s 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.

Tina Coleman, from Narborough, welcomed Thurlow Nunn’s practical approach: “It was a fabulous evening. I have found myself in scary situations in the past and this event went a long way towards helping me cope with such situations in the future. I didn’t know what I should do if my car broke down by the roadside until tonight, but now I feel I could cope with most situations,” she confessed. “Thurlow Nunn’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.”

Kings Lynn Deputy Mayoress Shirley Daws agreed that the practical approach was best. “I had never changed a wheel before I came here and now I know I can do it 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 may be held by the dealership and the timings of these events would once again be geared towards public demand. For further information about Women in the Driving Seat evenings ring Lorraine at Thurlow Nunn on tel 01553 769799.