Motoring tips benefit ladies

Mar 4 2009 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

FEMALE drivers turned out to learn how to maintain a motor car at the second Drivers’ Awareness evening of the year last Tuesday.

Twenty-four women made a great success of the event when they attended Cooper Brothers’ garage, the venue for the evening, which was run in conjunction with local police and geared toward female drivers.

The women were given advice on how to maintain a motor vehicle and advised on driver safety.

Tips ranged from the benefit of carrying a luminous vest in the boot, to ensure visibility while changing a tyre; to remembering to keep doors locked while driving and to keep handbags out of sight.

Central Scotland MSP Margaret Mitchell was among those who attended the evening, and the Conservative politician praised the efforts of the organisers.

She said: “It was an excellent initiative, full of common sense tips for female drivers, particularly if they are driving alone.

“The evening acted as a timely reminder of the practical side of driving. I felt that the event was so worthwhile that I’m raising a motion in Parliament about it.”

Gary Gibson, operations manager for Cooper Brothers said: “These evenings are always interesting and informative. We instruct and give helpful hints on a variety of tasks, such as checking and changing tyres and also how to jump start a vehicle.”

Due to demand for the events, a third Driver’s Awareness evening will take place at Cooper Brothers on Tuesday March 31 between 6.30 and 8.30pm.

Anyone interested contact Constable Dougie Denholm at Wishaw Police Office.