DEKRA Survey on Driving-Related Stereotypes:
Men are not better drivers – but they do drive faster
Men are not better drivers than women – but, it seems, they do drive faster. This was the result of a nationwide, representative survey of more than 1,000 participants conducted by the forsa institute on behalf of DEKRA. The expert organization DEKRA wanted to find out just how widespread the common stereotypes really are about men and women drivers.
- Some stereotypes refuse to die
- Women are more considerate drivers
- Men have a strong emotional bond with their car
Overall, a clear majority – two thirds – of those surveyed (66% of men and 69% of women) saw no difference between the genders when it comes to driving ability. Just 18% (9% of women and 26% of men) thought that men are the better drivers.
There were differences, however, regarding specific driving situations – 71% of those surveyed, for example, thought that men drive faster. But only a small minority (5%) thought the same about women. 44% thought that men are better at parking, while only 7% thought that women are better at this. Half (48%) saw no difference here. Men in particular (53%) believed that they have better parking skills.
A significant majority believed that men are more impatient behind the wheel (63%). Almost nobody (3%) thinks that men are more considerate on the road than women. A large majority (71%), however, believed that women drive with greater consideration. Women and men gave almost identical responses to all of these aspects.
The survey confirmed another couple of stereotypes: First, a significant majority of the men and women surveyed (88%) believed that men have a better understanding of the technical side of cars. Secondly, the stereotype that men love their cars is also proving particularly stubborn. Three quarters of those surveyed (75%) believed that men have a stronger emotional bond with their car than women.