Women drivers take a front seat view

Technicians at Pentagon Vauxhall showed women drivers how to check oil levels, carry out car maintenance tasks and deal with emergency roadside situations

WOMEN motorists were steered in the right direction with a car confidence course at Oldham’s Pentagon Vauxhall.

Scores of local female motorists are now all equipped to deal with whatever the road might throw at them after the experts got together at the event to teach them the basics of car maintenance, self-defence and safe driving.

Self-defence expert Fay Goodman was on hand to teach the drivers some handy moves to ward off 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 Fay.

“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.” Next up was Advanced Motorists specialist Mike Lyne, who gave some handy tips on eco driving and dealing with bullies behind the wheel.

He said: “Aggressive behaviour behind the wheel 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.

The visitors then headed for Pentagon’s workshops where volunteers were encouraged to change a wheel and were given advice including dealing with roadside emergencies, routine maintenance and checking oil and fluid levels.

Rachel Fitton (19) a sales assistant, had passed her driving test the same week and welcomed Pentagon’s practical approach: “The event was well organised and great fun too.

“I’ve never had to change a wheel before and I certainly found the awareness and self-protection role-play useful. I’m sure that classes like this would help other women a great deal.”

Pentagon Vauxhall is looking to put on more Women In the Driving Seat courses if the public demand is there. Anyone who would like to find out more is asked to call Pentagon Vauxhall Oldham on: 0161-621 2720.




Drive down to Oldham Athletic’s ground on Saturday — and make your car safer from theft.



Latics has teamed up with police on a car crime initiative to fit anti-tamper number plate screws at the first home game of the season. The police will have a stand at the car park entrance off Broadway along with the AA, from 1pm to kick-off at 3.