Women better drivers - no doubt

2005-03-01 08:37

Annamarie van Wyk

Johannesburg - Who are the better drivers: men or women?

Women, says John Schnell, head of the KwaZulu-Natal traffic department. Without a doubt.

Definitely, confirms Wendy Watson, spokesperson for the Arrive Alive campaign.

Schnell says at least 85% of the traffic offenders in KwaZulu-Natal are men. "In December, for example, we arrested 204 people for drunken driving in Durban and Pietermaritzburg and only three of these offenders were women."

Women older than 30 are better road users than men, says Hesi Arran, director of traffic management in Gauteng. Men are more reckless, speeding offences excluded, he adds.

Watson says there is "no doubt" that women are better drivers than men. "Women are less likely to be involved in accidents than men."

This fact is also reflected in insurance premiums.

The company 1st for Women Insurance Brokers offers insurance exclusively to women. "This is proof than women are better drivers," the company website proclaims.

Angelo Haggiyannis of short-term insurer Auto and General says the number of claims from women for accidents and theft is 20% lower than that of men.

And when they are involved in an accident, it costs less to repair their vehicles than those of men. "Women represent a better insurance risk," he says.

The only exception to this rule seems to be speeding offences.

Shubnum Rambally was caught driving 207 km/h on the N2 in December. "It is the first time in about 20 years than the fastest driver is a woman," Schnell says.

Arran says in his experience more and more women are committing speeding offences.

- Beeld