As a middle-aged man brought up in a more chivalrous age, I read with interest Angela Kenward's complaint (Letters, June 30).

Ms Kenward criticises men for not stopping to help with her broken-down car on the A27.

It seems to me men are discouraged on a daily basis from offering help to stranded females who are on their own.

Any man doing so leaves himself open to the possibility of false accusations.

The police encourage lone females in broken-down cars to remain in the car and lock the doors until help arrives in the form of a recognised emergency service.

In the light of many well-publicised attacks, I'm sure this is good advice. Men, too, are aware of this advice and do not wish to place themselves in a vulnerable position.

So, I'm not surprised that it was a long time before somebody stopped to help Ms Kenward. Would I have stopped? Yes, but I'd have been very nervous about it.

The dilemma is do you offer help, as is the natural instinct, and risk false accusations or do you drive on by in the knowledge that you are thus not deemed a threat?

I don't have an answer but I do think it's a great shame people can no longer help each other without first having to think of the risk to themselves.

-David Crozier, Worthing