Men faster, riskier drivers

Antje Schomacker says Scott Douglas drives too fast and he agrees she is the better driver. Photo / Natalie Slade

Women drivers crash more but accidents involving male drivers are often more serious because of greater risk taking, a survey by the AA shows.

The AA Insurance Drivers Index surveyed 4336 drivers aged between 18-65.

It shows that 24 per cent of men admitted breaking the speed limit most of the time, com-pared with 16 per cent of women.

While women are deterred from speeding because of safety fears, it is the fear of demerit points that is holding men back.

When asked if it was okay to drive after a few drinks as long as they felt capable, 19 per cent of men and 9 per cent of women said yes.

More men (19 per cent) than women (11 per cent) admitted altering their driving route to avoid police checkpoints.

AA Insurance deputy general manager Martin Fox said that while women crashed more often, men's crashes cost more.

When men are at fault in an accident, the average claim is $2450, whereas women's claims, when at fault, average $2257.

'SOMETIMES I SCARE MYSELF'

He drives too fast and she's more cautious.

Scott Douglas and Antje Schomacker reflect the views of many couples on an issue that is the source of many arguments.

The pair moved to New Zealand from Europe three months ago and recently completed a campervan journey around the country.

"I don't feel safe when he's driving," Ms Schomacker, 28, who has been driving for 10 years compared to her partner's two, said.

"It feels like he doesn't have the car in control. We were travelling through New Zealand in a campervan and I was like 'no, no, no, you get out' because I was scared ... he's driving too fast around the corners like 'oh, this is fun' and you can feel he doesn't have control."

He agrees. "Sometimes I scare myself driving. She's the better driver - way better."