Women Behind the Wheel: A New Era of Driving

While it was once rare to see women behind the wheel, now, every day, female drivers are increasingly common on the roads. Men’s attitudes towards female drivers are mixed. Some claim that women are like ‘monkeys with grenades’ on the road, while others think it’s good for wives or girlfriends to drive. Only a small proportion of men accept that women drivers are as necessary as they are.

Women and Cars: More Than Just Assistance

For many women, a car is not just an aid, but a source of additional freedom and self-expression, and a way to boost self-esteem. Therefore, driving instructors are now more patient with female learners of all ages, diligently teaching them the rules of the road. The common belief that women are less attentive than men on the roads is a myth. Recent psychological studies have shown that women are quite attentive drivers.

Women’s Safety Record in Driving

Accidents involving women are significantly fewer than those involving men. Women tend to learn more thoroughly and adhere to traffic rules more strictly. They are less likely to drive under the influence, often give way to pedestrians, rarely speed, and seldom use mobile phones while driving. Although learning the rules might be more challenging for women initially, experience and effort help overcome this issue.

With the increasing number of cars in Russian cities, traffic jams and congestions have become more frequent. Women have adapted to these conditions, hence they don’t frequently switch lanes to move faster and tend to be less aggressive in traffic jams compared to men. Often, women can become disoriented in minor accidents, leading to panic and nervousness. Psychologists advise maintaining calm in such situations. Nowadays, most cars are insured, and repairs will be covered by insurance companies. In case of accidents, police officers usually handle the situation, though it can be time-consuming. Panic is not helpful here. After completing all necessary documentation, it’s important to carry out the required actions calmly.

Dealing with Post-Accident Anxiety

In cases of serious accidents, many women may develop a fear of approaching their vehicles, a condition known in medicine as technophobia. If you decide to stop driving altogether, heed psychologists’ advice: the sooner you get behind the wheel again, the faster your fears will dissipate. Remember, it’s about facing your fears head-on!