Women drivers are best, car insurance provider finds

Thu, 08 Sep 2005

Women have a way to go before they can give Schumacher or Alonso a run for their money, but new research has revealed that women are indeed better drivers.

Dispelling motoring myths, Marks & Spencer Car Insurance has devised a formula showing how tricky it is to be a good driver.

A new online driving simulator was used to factor in reaction time, risk taking, competitiveness, aggression and spatial awareness of motorists.

The fairer sex was found to be better at sticking to speed limits and that they took fewer risks when they drive.

The car insurance provider also found that women are more aware of potential hazards like traffic lights and speed cameras. And contrary to popular belief, women displayed a good understanding of reading maps.

M&S Car Insurance discovered that before undertaking a journey, 84 per cent of women plan their route, compared to only 64 per cent of men.

The simulator used by the car insurance provider in its research encourages motorists to think about what skills go in to becoming a good driver, remarked Dr David Lewis, the consultant psychologist for M&S Car Insurance.

"And hopefully they will take those thoughts on to the roads," he added.

Steve Price, the head of M&S Car Insurance, admitted that we all think we are good drivers. "But driving safely is harder than we think," he concluded.

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