Practical instruction on how to avoid road rage; personal awareness, self-protection and basic car maintenance will be top of the agenda in a topical new evening class called Safety at the Wheel, which is being launched by an Enfield-based car dealer on Thursday May 11.

In a survey of more than 1,000 motorists carried out by the RAC Foundation, 87 per cent of drivers said that they had been a road rage victim at least once, while 20 per cent claimed to have experienced it more than ten times. Even more alarming was the admission by 71 per cent to having indulged in road rage themselves.

"The menace of aggressive, inconsiderate driving on our roads seems to be increasing at the moment and we believe that all it takes is a little care and consideration to avoid situations which can escalate into the kinds of tragic incidents we have all heard about recently," says Julian Butler, site manager of PNG of Enfield, which will be hosting the event at its showroom at 274 Baker Street, Enfield, in Middlesex.

In addition to car safety, the psychology behind car confidence will be demonstrated by ex-police chief inspector Vic Botterill, with practical advice on defensive driving.

Volunteers from the audience will be invited to use role-play to learn how to beat the bullies behind the wheel and, if diplomacy fails, how to use everyday objects normally found about one's person for self-protection.

PNG's service technicians will also offer visitors practical advice on dealing with roadside emergencies, and car maintenance.

The evening is free and all will be encouraged to have a go themselves.

For those not able to attend, a second event will be held by PNG at its Vauxhall and Chevrolet dealership in the High Road, Waltham Cross, on Thursday, June 22.

Those interested in attending the Safety at the Wheel evening at PNG on May 11 should telephone 01992 300344 for a free invitation.