Insurance company 1st for Women issued a press release this week about a study conducted by a female-only car insurance company in the UK that shows that male motorists drive an extra 444km while lost every year — the equivalent of a trip from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein.
The study found that more than one-third of men would rather ask a woman than a man for directions, if they had to ask for directions at all.
Robyn Farrell, managing director of 1st for Women Insurance, makes the point that asking women for directions might be an intelligent decision, given that 40% of men have pretended that they knew where they were going when actually lost, compared with 26% of women.
In contrast, 74% of women have no issues about asking for directions.
To add to the confusion, the study showed that 40% of men said that even if they were to ask a stranger for directions, they would not always trust or follow them. It found that 25% of men wait at least half an hour before asking for directions, while 12% of male motorists refuse outright to ask a stranger for help at all.
The results show that motorists in their mid-30s were more likely to stop and ask for directions, and took less than 15 minutes to pull over on average. This figure is seven minutes less than it would take a young driver to ask for help.
Obviously this avoidant behaviour means a major waste of time and money. The study suggests that the cost of “lost” driving time could be as much as £2000 (R22 000) in petrol wasted in the lifetime of a British man, that is before wear and tear on the car and the marital issues it no doubt raises.
In response to this study, 1st for Women has launched two products for its policyholders, specifically to address the problems associated with being lost, and anxious as a result.
Trip monitor — This is the constant monitoring of policyholders’ journeys (with their consent). The monitoring of short distances at 30 minute intervals or long distances, such as holiday trips ensure that the driver and/or passengers reach their destination safely.
If contact is interrupted, the driver’s next-of-kin or other specified party, such as emergency services, will be informed and the time and location of their last communication will be conveyed for a speedy reaction.
Directions Assist — A 24-hour directions helpline for guidance when travelling in the country offers help when you are lost, have left your directions behind or do not have a not have a GPS and need confirmation that you are taking the correct route.
Clear directions are given telephonically while travelling, or are faxed or emailed to a specific address. The helpline offers detailed map information of major metropolitan areas such as the Johannesburg CBD, West Rand, East Rand, southern and northern suburbs of Johannesburg, Pretoria suburbs, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and more.
It is just a pity for men that 1st for Women only insures women, although based on the study most men probably wouldn’t use the services anyway. But at least their partners can.
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