Don’t drive in stilettos, put your handbag out of sight to prevent car jacking and always wear a seat belt even if pregnant.

These were just some of the tips offered to motorists at a Shropshire businesswomen’s networking event.

“Working mum” Jo Baugh, who is director of TTC Automotive, a successful Shropshire business driver training company, went into overdrive to stress how busy women should take the time to drive carefully.

“As women who work, doing the school run, the shopping, as well as driving for work, we have to ensure we are not thinking about what we are going to cook for tea while driving down the road sometimes with our most precious cargo – our kids – in the car.

“We have all done it but it is time to stop and think. Driving can be potentially lethal,” she told 60 businesswomen at a Shropshire Chamber of Commerce event held at Telford’s Wrekin College.

A survey showed that 80 per cent of women wore “inappropriate” footwear while driving.

While one in ten had a crash caused by stilettos stuck between the pedals. Some wore flip flops and even no shoes at all – which is illegal in Scotland, it was revealed.

She warned about checking not only that your driving licence was up to date and legal, but via checks with DVLA, that employees documents were also legally compliant.

Drinking excess alcohol the night before could leave a woman over the drink drive limit even the next morning when going to work or doing the school run.

Driving while tired, taking certain medications, speeding and driving too near the car in front were also potential dangers, she said.

The Highway Code tells us to “leave at least a two second gap between you and the driver in front and in poor weather conditions, leave a much larger gap,” said Jo, who added that women should not be brow beaten into driving faster if someone tailgates you.

“But when did we last read the Highway Code? Know the speed limit and be aware when the speed limits change.”

Two thirds of people attending the event admitted to speeding.

She urged women to learn to take responsibility for their own vehicle by checking tyre pressures, oil and fluid levels and vehicle’s lights regularly.

Ensure the vehicle is serviced according to the manufacturers’ recommendations, the vehicle has a current MOT and insurance covers you for business.

Women were advised not to leave handbags and laptops on the car seats but put them out of sight to avoid car jackings at traffic lights and while stuck in traffic.

TTC Automotive manages business vehicles and drivers to promote safety, reduce running costs and meet legal requirements.

With a national network of highly qualified trainers, it tailors Driving for Business training courses for companies and the public sector.

The TTC Group head office in Hadley Park, Telford, was opened by the Princess Royal three years ago.

The company is also one of the UK’s largest providers of driver re-education courses.

For more information please contact TTC Automotive on 0333 8000 222 or visit the website at www.ttcautomotive.co.uk or send an email to driver.training@ttcautomotive.co.uk