The key to women's safety
Fashionable oversized handbags are fast becoming a threat to the safety and peace of mind of millions of female motorists, according to new research[1].
The findings reveal that women are becoming increasingly distracted and exposed to crime, spending an average of six and a half hours per year[2] rifling through their handbags for car keys. Further to this, a third (33 per cent) of female motorists claim to feel panicked and anxious about not being able to locate their keys quickly enough.
With these concerns in mind, Sheilas’ Wheels car insurance has produced a genuine safety solution that doesn’t compromise on fashion – a car key that masquerades as a wearable cocktail ring, meaning that the driver’s key is always safely and reassuringly to hand.
The KeyRing allows the wearer to lock and unlock a car door simply by pressing the ring’s gemstone. Once safely inside their cars, women can then lock their doors and search for their standard car keys allowing them to start the engine and drive away without the risk of feeling anxious or stressed at the wheel – another risk to driving safety.
However, for all those ladies who don’t have this ultimate KeyRing just yet, Sheilas’ Wheels has teamed up with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to provide female motorists with some top safety tips:
- When parking on the street in daylight, consider what the area will be like if you have to return to your car after dark. Will it be well lit? Will there be people about?
- Once parked, make sure the interior light is working, shut all windows and lock all doors. Note exactly where you have parked the car
- Before exiting the car, ensure there isn’t anyone hovering around – do the same when approaching the car on your return
- Lock all doors as soon as you enter the car
- Choose a manned car park, whenever possible, and park as close as you can to the attendant
To find out more about the Sheilas’ Wheels KeyRing, visit www.ilovesheilas.com where you can let us know whether you ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’.
About the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is the only UK charity entirely devoted to providing everyone in society with the practical support and personal safety guidance they need to reduce their fear of crime and develop skills and strategies for avoiding violence and aggression.
For further information and safety advice, visit www.suzylamplugh.org.
[1] Sheilas’ Wheels used the independent online research company Fly Research who surveyed 1,080 females in the UK, from across the country aged 18 and over, between the 24th August and 27th August 2009.
[2] 6.3 hours: based on an average 2.2 journeys per day.
