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A recent survey has found that men’s attention while driving is prone to wandering in the presence of attractive females.
"The Australian survey conducted by Allianz found that of the 1425 men polled, 51% admitted to this habit," says 1st for Women Insurance’s Executive Head, Robyn Farrell, adding, "on the other hand, only 15% of women confessed to glancing at good-looking men while on the road."
Another revelation is that when it comes down to it, men are as likely to stare good-looking women, whether they are single or attached.
On the flip side, married women and girlfriends are half as likely to be distracted by attractive men as their single friends.
These proportions boil down to the general view that women are safer and more cautious drivers than men. Yet, even though the gap between the number of male and female drivers had become progressively smaller there are still fewer female drivers than males, overall.
According to a gender driving study, this means that apart from the risks like high likelihood to drink and the high confidence males have when driving, their mileage is generally higher compared to female drivers.
When my family travels long-distance, my father drives more than my mother. I have also observed that in many households, men drive more often than their wives.
This inevitably means that they are more exposed to the dangers of road travelling.
Would women perhaps have matched males' accident statistics if they drove as often, seeing that we too have a statistical share in being distracted drivers?
Another factor of distraction in male drivers is said to be wealth. "It turns out that salary also influences the equation," says Farrell, "higher earners are more distracted by women when behind the wheel.
Is it because it’s easier to take a peek with the top of your convertible down? We do not know."
However, if guys think that driving a fancier car will make them more desirable to women, then they should think again.
In a UK survey of women by motors.co.uk, men who show off their wealth, power and smart cars might actually come out at the bottom.
"Women expressed admiration for those males who drive more sensible hatchbacks with fewer carbon emissions.
Speaking of stereotypes, the study adds that even though females are considered safer drivers, they are also considered "bad" drivers.
This stereotype affects the woman’s confidence and she is therefore more cautious when driving.
Either way and regardless of gender, caution should be balanced with confidence to ensure safety on the roads.
Farrell concludes, "At the end of the day, distracted driving is an absolute no-no! Keep your eyes on the road at all times and ignore everything that could interfere with your concentration."
