British women drivers better

Press, 17 July 1987, Page 23

British women drivers better

By

ROBIN CHARTERIS

in London Women drivers have proved yet again they are better than men, in Britain at least. The latest court statistics show they committed less than 1 per cent of the most serious driving offences in 1985, although they accounted for 18 per cent of vehicle miles covered. Fewer than 150,000 convictions were entered against women last year, compared with 1.76 million against men. For dangerous or reckless driving, 1000 women were convicted, and 4600 men. Women also appeared far less likely to drink and drive. In 1985, 5500 convictions were recorded against them — 101,300 against men. However, women were almost as bad when it came to obstruction, waiting and parking offences. With 10,500 cases, they accounted for 15 per cent of the total convictions. The figures are expected to strengthen the view of many insurance companies that women have fewer and generally lighter insurance claims than men and thus deserve to pay lower premiums.