Who are the better drivers: Men or women?

Men will always say that men are better drivers than women; likewise, women will always say that they are the better drivers.

Research has been done, and statistically men are a greater risk behind the wheel than women. [i]Men and women behave differently when driving a vehicle and it is said that some of the influencing factors could be the different hormonal processes and neurochemical structures of men and women. It is evident that men are generally more aggressive whilst driving and with regard to their reactions to other peoples driving habits. Generally women tend to be calmer and in control whilst driving and more attentive to her surroundings. A woman will notice an accident before it happens, and will react appropriately to avoid the accident.

Evidently, men also have a tendency to break more rules of the road than women, for example, not sticking to the speed limit, drunken driving and other traffic violations. Men are the risk takers, they will sooner over take another driver, even if it means cutting in front of someone else, than a women. The women will make sure that the road is completely safe and free of other vehicles before attempting to overtake. Women are far more patient than men, and will generally sit in traffic for longer than men, before getting frustrated and aggressive. It is also a proven fact that the younger men aged 20 to 29, are of a higher risk on the road than older men.

[ii]According to an article submitted by the WHO (World Health Organization), it is said that "There Is an Overwhelming Consensus that human males are more aggressive, and display aggression in different ways, compared with their female counterparts. The greatest differences are seen from puberty to early adulthood."

Another study conducted by Mizell (1997), provided more evidence provided by police reports and news articles, that indicated that more aggressive incidents resulting in accidents were caused due to the aggressive driving of more males than females.

A study by Parry in 1998, revealed that in the UK, after analyzing the attitudes of 279 motorists, that the highest scores of aggression was found in men between the ages of 17 to 35. (This being twice the score of middle aged men).

Men have the tendency of being the aggressor and most require "The Need For Speed". Speed usually results in reckless driving and in many instances "Speed Kills". So if you have a choice between driving somewhere with a man or a woman, choose the woman.

[i] Social Issues Research Centre - http://www.sirc.org/publik/dri ving.pdf

[ii] WHO review pg 8 of SIRC document - http://www.sirc.org/publik/dri ving.pdf

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