The subject of whether men or women are better drivers is an age-old debate as both believe they are the superior drivers. Fortunately, studies have finally revealed a bold truth: women are the safest behind the wheel. Whether you’ve known this all along or are having a tough time believing a valid research study could come to this conclusion, read on for more details and even a surprising twist.

Truth in Numbers

Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released a report based on gender-specific traffic deaths which stated, “Many more men than women die each year in motor vehicle crashes.” It further reported, “Men typically drive more miles than women and more often engage in risky driving practices including not using safety belts, driving while impaired by alcohol, and speeding. Crashes involving male drivers often are more severe than those involving female drivers.” Further, a study conducted by research firm Quality Planning found that men are 3.4 times more likely to be ticketed for reckless driving than their female counterparts and are 3.1 times as likely to be cited for drunk driving.

Why It Matters

You may wonder why this information is relevant to you as a driver. Insurance companies have not been blind to the fact that women drivers tend to be safer on the roads, and according to various statistical reports, this fact favours women by way of lower insurance premiums. They tend to make fewer claims, incur fewer traffic violations and are often involved in less serious collisions, so it makes sense that they generally would pay lower insurance rates.

But Women are Not Superior Drivers

With these facts, it’s hard not to see the reoccurring theme of gender bias. However, despite being safer behind the wheel, a study conducted by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information found “few gender differences exist with respect to driving errors and overall driving performance.” Research has also found that both genders are equally likely to fail on-road driving tests. Further, while women tend to be more cautious behind the wheel, it has been suggested that men often have superior defensive driving skills. So clearly, this advantage women have over men seems to be limited to safe driving practice only.

Who Gets the Final Say?

Ultimately, both genders could benefit from learning each other’s habits on the road. To be a great driver, one must encompass these elements of safety, caution and defensive driving, then put them to good use anytime he or she is on the road.