Who is a better driver — men or women?

Dubai: Man or a woman — who makes for a safer driver? Gulf News spoke to its readers from across the UAE to get their views on the issue.

Arnel Ramos, a Philippine national, said that female drivers are better. He said: “Women are more careful than male drivers. Men are less confident. Female drivers encounter fewer accidents.”

Binu Thomas, an Indian national, begged to differ. He said: “Male drivers are more confident on roads, whether it’s changing lanes or responding to signals. Female drivers are not confident because they drive in one lane and don’t see the traffic moving behind them. I am not saying that male drivers are 100 per cent perfect, but they are still better than women.”

Alan Godfrey, a British national, believes female drivers are happier on country roads. He said: “Female drivers panic in traffic and on fast moving motorways. As for a male driver, it depends on his age. Middleaged drivers are safer, but again, young people should not be given cars at an early age.”

Mohammad Abdul Mannan, a driving instructor at Emirates Driving Company in Abu Dhabi, spoke about the pros and cons of a male and female driver. Mannan, a Bangladeshi national said: “Male drivers are more aggressive and learn quickly, while female drivers are slow at learning. Female drivers are more careful because they obey the rules and regulations. But, they are afraid of driving, because sometimes in busy areas, they cannot drive properly. As a result, they commit mistakes. Not all of them drive safe, but the majority do.”

Not related to gender

For, Bina Mathews, the ability to drive is not related to gender. She said: “Good drivers can be either male or female. In today’s age, female drivers are better because they have more to prove. Their consciousness about being responsible on the road makes them try harder.

“However, I have seen women drivers who make me realise why there are jokes made about us.”

Arshia Ahmad, a Pakistani national, claims women to be safer drivers. She said: “Generally, women are more careful ...they adhere to speed limits and road signs. I don’t say all male drivers are rash, but when it comes to a comparison, female drivers are much better.”

Faiza Faisal, an Indian national, agreed. She said: “Female drivers are much better because they are more cautious, whereas male drivers are overly confident and impatient. I usually see male drivers flashing their headlights and honking to move even before the light is green. When they see a female driver, they disturb them. They keep asking them to move out of the lane.”

The readers largely seemed to favour women drivers in terms of safety on the road.

The writer is a trainee with Gulf News