Women get under the bonnet

A series of workshops aimed at women titled 'Under the Bonnet' is being held in Ipswich, Queensland, to arm women with practical skills and build their confidence when it comes to fixing their cars.

The workshops are coordinated by the Queensland Police’s Ipswich District Crime Prevention (IDCP) unit along with local mechanics, and include practical demonstrations showing women how to check oil levels, change a tyre and jump-start a car.

"These are important skills for everyone to learn," says IDCP Coordinator, Senior Constable Kerrin Sheedy.

"We hope women will leave these sessions feeling safer and more empowered on the road."

The workshops also aim to change students' thinking when it comes to driving, avoiding the trap of complacency. They even inspire students to be more assertive when interacting with police officers, if need be.

"We teach participants to be savvy and that it's okay to ask an assumed police officer to show them his/her badge if they are unsure who they are talking to," says Sheedy. Good to know!

The workshops conducted to date have each attracted around 50 women spanning all ages, Sheedy says.

Many single and older women take part because they have previously not had someone to rely on in times of need. According to Sheedy, the initial instinct for many women is to call for help or ask a 'bloke'. The Under the Bonnet series aims to empower women to tackle the problems themselves.

Driving safely is also covered, along with a special focus on what police term 'The Fatal Five': speeding, seatbelts, drink/drug driving, fatigue and distraction.

Participants will even get a detailed answer to the all-important question, what exactly is a standard drink? And just because it's not in a tumbler doesn't mean it's okay!

"Many women are shocked at what exactly a standard glass of wine is," says Sheedy.

Participants will also gain an insight into what a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.07 to 0.2 (grams per 100ml) feels like, courtesy of a set of Alcohol Impairment Simulation goggles.

The next workshops will be conducted in November. Llewellyn Motors (246 Brisbane Road, Booval) will host one on Tuesday, November 8, at 6.30pm (in the Toyota Service centre). Boettcher Motors (15 Brisbane Road, Bundamba) will host another on Tuesday, November 15 at 6.30pm (in its Nissan Service Centre).

We think these workshops are a worthy endeavour; perhaps they could even be expanded with a self-defence component? Ladies, what are your thoughts?