UK: Sense of direction lost on male drivers

British male drivers are wasting 5.9 million¹ hours each year because of their reluctance to swallow their pride and admit they are lost.

New research from RAC Direct Insurance shows that the nation’s 17.9 million² male drivers are waiting a staggering 20 minutes each time they get lost before they’re prepared to stop and ask for directions. This is twice as long as female drivers who only wait 10 minutes before admitting they need help.

Male drivers are even prepared to endure a "nagging period" from their partner of ten minutes before throwing in the towel, to stop and ask for directions.

Amarylis Fox, researcher in cognitive psychology from Bradford University, said: “Men may be likely to try harder to find their destination when they’re lost than women, because of their perceived better navigational skills. However, when couples drive together male drivers are twice as likely to get behind the wheel, resigning their partners to the passenger seat to navigate, as women generally have better organisational skills.

“Research shows that men generally have better spatial skills than women, so when it comes to things like map reading and navigating there’s added pressure on male drivers to perform well. This expectation to succeed at such tasks may make it more difficult for men to admit when they’re lost, whereas female drivers may actually reach their destination quicker by acknowledging when they need help with directions.”

The "Are We Lost Yet" study also showed:

• Male drivers struggling to get from A to B are also much more inclined to suffer from increased stress and even road rage
• Getting lost is often the most common cause of couples rowing in the car, with almost two-thirds (64%) of couples admitting to having such arguments
• Only one-in-four couples plan their journeys before setting off (27%)
• Over a third of couples rely on landmarks and road signs to find their destination (36%) 
• One-in-four couples still scribble down basic directions on a bit of scrap paper (25%)

Craig Martin, RAC Direct Insurance product manager, said: “The anxiety, increased stress levels and road rage that can be caused by getting lost are unnecessary distractions on today’s busy roads when motorists need to be alert and able to concentrate. They can easily be avoided, just by motorists taking a bit more time to plan their journeys. New technology can also help, with in-car satellite navigation systems becoming more popular - around one-in-five drivers is using this technology for more efficient motoring.”

To help avoid unnecessary headaches from getting lost RAC Direct Insurance has put together some top tips with Amarylis Fox or motorists can visit www.rac.co.uk to use RAC’s route planner.

Top tips

1. Recognise your own imperfections - we all have them and there is no such thing as the perfect driver
2. Like accidents, most arguments are not one-sided. Being objective and realising you may be in part to blame will help resolve tensions faster, allowing you to move on from initial feelings of anger
3. If you think you are lost you probably are; accept the fact and find a solution. Asking for directions is in no way an admission of inadequacy
4. Resist temptation to criticise each other. Men may be generally better at performing spatial tasks, giving them advantages when parking and even map reading, but women are better at organising, allowing them to multi-task in the car
5. Eliminate possible distractions. Flapping around with CDs and mobiles, repeatedly changing channels on the radio, trying to eat whilst driving can all lead to an increasing strain on your attention, raising the risk of accidents
6. Maps were sent to test us. It’s no surprise then that occasionally people will struggle to read one. Try not to get annoyed, arguing will raise tension and increase blood pressure; a result of the stress
7. Finally, a car can be a luxurious toy. Often good looking and repairable when broken; remember, the same is not automatically true of its owner!

RAC Direct Insurance is also giving motorists with satellite navigation equipment the opportunity to receive discounts on their motor insurance premiums.

-ends-

^1-2 = Office of National Statistics 2004

RAC commissioned YouGov to conduct research amongst 2,000 male and female drivers aged 18–50+ across the UK between 28 February to 2 March 2006.

RAC Press office contact:
James Ruane at Lexis PR on 0207 908 6402
Jasmine Agbulos at Lexis PR on 0207 908 6474
Tess Richardson at RAC Press Office on 0208 917 2980
Main RAC press office on 0208 917 2742

Notes to editors:

About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs.

Aviva bought RAC last year. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one-in-seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.