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360 Defence in the Media
Motoring South Africa - Self-defence for drivers: Look, listen and learn to fight
Paul Kelbie
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April 2006 - It's a familiar scene to motorists: an obscene gesture, a rude word and in some circumstances a violent or even fatal confrontation. Every day, thousands of drivers experience some form of vehicle-related crime that experts say is almost always avoidable.
Hijacking and road-rage attacks are on the increase and the personal safety of Britain's 33.8-million licence-holders has never been more of an issue.
Now driver-training school AcciDon't has launched the UK's first practical self-defence course for motorists in response to growing demand from individuals and corporate clients
'Car security is so good these days the only way a thief can steal a car is to have the keys' | .
Drivers are shown how to avoid becoming a victim and taught basic techniques of unarmed combat just in case all other attempts to stay out of trouble fail.
AcciDon't director Simon Johnston said: "Almost every day there are stories in the media about people being attacked, robbed or even killed in road-rage or hijacking incidents.
"Car security is so good these days the only way a thief can steal a car, or something from it, is to have the keys - and the easiest way to get them is from the owner.
"People are increasingly concerned about how aggressive the roads are and we've been asked for advice on how to avert confrontations before they happen.
The AcciDon't course sees instructors from self-defence school Krav Maga Scotland working alongside personal security experts, teaching techniques used by law enforcement agencies
'95 percent of vehicle incidents, collisions or security issues are avoidable' |
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Krav Maga director Simon Leila said: "There were about 11500 hijackings in Britain last year. Surveys reveal that nine out of 10 motorists have experienced some form of road rage in the past 12 months, while 20 percent of drivers feel so unsafe they carry some form of weapon in their vehicle.
"When you consider there have been more than 200 lorry hijackings in Britain since the start of the year, cab drivers are regular targets for robbery and even ordinary drivers are at risk from car thieves, there is a need for better education in crime prevention and protection."
Johnston said: "Other courses teach people how to drive more carefully, but we teach all aspects of car-related personal security."
Escape route
Simple tips such as not pulling up directly alongside another car at traffic lights - to avoid a confrontation about who moves off first - and always leaving room for an escape route may seem obvious, but they are rarely practised.
Chief instructor Callum Black said: "95 percent of vehicle incidents, collisions or security issues are avoidable - all it takes is a little forethought and change of behaviour."
The experts could tell at a glance which cars in a car park belonged to single women, men, older couples or families, by the range of belongings left in view inside the car.
Leila said: "Professional bad guys do this all the time and can quickly identify an easy target.
"Very few people reverse into a parking bay so they can get away quickly, or lock their doors as soon as they get in. Most don't even notice who's loitering around the vehicle when they get in.
"It's all down to awareness, anticipation and avoidance." - The Independent, London
View omline @ http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3206525&fSectionId=751&fSetId=381
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18/4/2006
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