Women Are Better And Safer Drivers Than Men, Study Finds

Contrary to the sexist stereotype, it seems women are actually better drivers than men, according to a new study.

It found that of 539,000 people convicted of breaking the law on roads in England and Wales in 2018, 79 percent were men.

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Almost a quarter of all of these offences were men speeding, in contrast to female speeders, who account for just seven percent of the offences. Men were also five times more likely to be done for drink driving and more than twice as likely to be at fault when making an insurance claim.

However, while men were found to be the worst drivers in terms of offences, it's a different story with regards to driving tests. The research - conducted by Confused.com - revealed that women were more likely to fail their practical than men.

Of the 1.6 million people in England and Wales who took their test last year, 55 percent failed - 31 percent of whom were women and 24 percent of whom were men. Meanwhile, the 45 percent of people who passed was comprised of 22 percent women and 23 percent men.

So men are more likely to pass their tests, before getting out on the road and committing motoring offences, it seems.

Confused.com

Another study concluded that Ford drivers are the most likely to have points in the UK. Despite almost half of Ford drivers having points on their licence, the study found they rated themselves as 7.3 out of 10 in terms of their driving ability, while only rating other drivers as six out of 10.

The study also found that BMW drivers were most likely to commit speeding or reckless driving offences, while Vauxhall drivers (specifically grey ones) are statistically the safest, with the least amount of penalty points on average.

Claire Rogan, digital marketing manager at automotive retailer Peter Vardy - who conducted the study - said the disconnect between motorists' driving records and rating of their own competency is cause for concern.

She said: "Taking proper due care and attention when behind the wheel should always be at the forefront of our minds when in control of a car, so it is surprising to see our research indicate that over half of British drivers have been penalised for driving offences.

"Whether you have just passed your test, or have been driving for years, it is important to not allow your own perception of your driving skill to cloud your judgement."

Topics: UK News, Driving, Cars

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey