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Women on the roads

Research on behalf of Saga Motor Insurance has revealed that women are becoming just as aggressive towards their fellow road users as men. No longer the shrinking violets, one in five women have used their horn or flashed their lights in anger in the last year. And over half of all female motorists said that they have felt angry or frightened because of the actions of another road user.

But all is not doom and gloom. The survey also highlighted that not all manners are dead. When drivers are not actually behind the wheel of their cars, chivalry and courtesy still reign. Two-thirds of men usually open the car door for their partner, however in what is perhaps a sign of changing times, 29 per cent of women said they too would open the door for their other half.

However, put them behind a driving wheel and the story is very different. The survey revealed that women are not afraid to break the law when driving, although men are more likely to do so. Sixty-four per cent of men admit to speeding on the motorway compared to 43 per cent of women, and two-thirds of male motorists said that they had exceeded the limit in a 30mph zone as did almost half of female drivers. Men are also far more likely to undertake, with 27 per cent of men admitting to this dangerous manoeuvre compared to just 13 per cent of women.

Almost a quarter of men admitted to hogging the middle lane of the motorway as did 17 per cent of women, although it was found to be the preserve of younger drivers, dispelling the myth that lane hogs tend to be those in their more mature years.

Anti-social driving habits can also prove extremely costly. While a damaged wing mirror could cost £70 to replace, a paint job following a scrape may leave drivers facing a bill of a few hundred pounds and a collision could cost a great deal more. In fact, Saga customers whose parked cars have been damaged by an anonymous culprit have on average claimed for damage costing £700 to repair.

As Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of Saga commented, 'Some people seem to leave their manners behind when they get into the driving seat. Our experience is that the over 50s are more considerate and tolerant of other drivers.'

So, if you are over 50, and looking to renew your car insurance, check out Saga or call free on 0800 015 4752

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