April 2006 - FEEL THE FORCE…Simon, left, practises defence method

AN astonishing new course has taken pole pos­ition in the battle against road rage.

Driver training company Accidon't — based in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire

- has just launched an anti-road rage course. It's the first of its kind in the UK.

But it is not just about improving driving techniques. Those signing up will be aught the self-defence system used by crack Israeli troops - Krav Maga.

Violent

They'll learn how to punch, slap and strike their way out of road rage situations.

And it couldn't have come it a better time.

Britain now has the second highest number of violent road rage incidents in the world, according to a recent survey by market research firm Synovate International.

Simon Leila is the director of Krav Maga Scotland. He said: "Krav Maga is based on instinctive defence solutions. Training which is new to you is easily forgotten but instinct always kicks in and that's why we using Krav Maga for this course.

"It's easier to remember in road rage situations."

Basic techniques are taken from the classroom to vehicles over the two-day course.

And it covers all scenarios facing today's drivers. From sitting and standing to hair-pulling and knife defences, motorists are shown the moves to protect themselves.

But the course also teaches drivers how to stay clear of all potential road rage situa­tions.

Simon Johnston the director of Accidon't said: "Self-defence is the final section in dealing with road rage.

"We don't want a situation to get to that point but people know how to defend them­selves should the need arise. But it's even more important to try to avoid road rage and that is easily done.

"It's just about raising your level of awareness, driving defensively and remembering that driving is complex."

Last year eight out of ten British drivers were report­edly verbally assaulted accord­ing to survey figures from Synovate International.

And a poll in August 2005 showed 95 per cent of motorists in the UK say they were involved in or witnessed a road rage incident.

Weakest

Experts reckon high levels of stress and more vehicles on the road play a part in this increase. But now there is a new shocking trend facing drivers - car jacking. Mr Leila said: "Vehicle security systems are now just too good. They're too much hassle so car thieves are targeting the weakest element - humans."

Last year the National Audit Office reported 10,000 car-jackings.

Mr Leila said: "When you're in a road rage situation remember you never know what you're up against. Always assume the worst and that they have a weapon."

ALLY HAD KRAV-ING FOR A SAFE DRIVE

SECRETARY Ally Bennett jumped at the chance to sign up for the first anti-road rage course last month.

And the 26-year-old, pictured practising a road rage scenario, reckons it has given her confi­dence a much-needed boost after her terrifying road run-in last year.

One afternoon last March the pretty brunette was pursued up the A74 on her way back from her parents' home in North Yorkshire by an unknown BMW driver.

Ally said: "It started just after I had stopped for petrol at Gretna. "He must have seen I was on my own and decided to follow me. "When I got back on the motor­way I immediately noticed this posh black BMW. He'd overtake me, then slow right down so I had to pass him. And he kept flashing his lights to get me to pull over."

Ally's ordeal lasted half an hour before her pursuer finally turned off. She chose not report the inci­dent to the police and just took the car's registration.

But she says it left her feeling vulnerable. She said: "I drive a lot for my job and most of that is on my own." So when she heard about the course she immediately signed up. She said: "There is great practi­cal advice on what to do to deal with road rage attacks.

"But the Krav Maga also helps you to know how to defend your­self against any sort

of attack."

HERE are the top 10 tips to avoid road rage ...

1. Don't be impatient if someone cuts in front. It won't make a huge difference to the time of a journey.

2. If someone is driving too close behind you, slow down or pull over and let them past.

3. Don't be confrontational, hold back, and stay calm. Don't respond in an aggressive manner, you have no idea what or whom you are dealing with.

4. If driving in town keep doors locked and don't get out to argue. Open the window only a few inches.

5. At traffic lights stay far enough from the car in front so you can see his tyres on the road plus a couple of metres. This avoids putting pressure on the driver in front and provides an escape route.

6. If you are involved in a minor collision, it may be a car jacking. Open the window a small gap to arrange to drive to a police station, petrol station or other public place to exchange details.

Note down the number plate before you drive off.

7. At traffic lights don't pull up directly alongside a car in the other lane. Hold back and avoid a race to be first out of the blocks.

8. Only use your fog lights in the appropriate

9. In a traffic jam don't sit with your foot on the brake. The bright lights shining in the face of the driver behind could cause antagonism.

10. When you get into your car always lock yourself in and keep valuables off seats and out of sight.