Study: Vanity Is Hazardous To Female (And Male!) Motorists

by Rika Nurrahmah | 3:49 pm, July 9th, 2010

If looks could kill, they would do so behind the wheel — at least, according to a recent study by UK insurance company Churchill. After the Telegraph reported in 2009 that 3 percent of female motorists surveyed in the UK admitted to causing a car accident while applying their make-up, new statistics show that it’s not just the occasional touch-up that’s to blame, it’s the overall maintenance of their physical appearance.

Recent findings state that, with the gas pedal in full force, 20 percent of female motorists habitually take their eyes off the road to check themselves in the mirror. Seven percent admit to applying make-up while navigating the road, and another 25 percent commit a Victoria Beckham by driving in heels. Let’s hope Ms. Beckham is not driving her new Range Rover in her five-inch Loubs!

According toDiamond Insurance, the worst female offenders are motorists 18 and younger — an age group both new to the driving experience and often burdened by the pressures of physical appearance.

Remember: correlation doesn’t equal causation, so let’s not jump to the conclusion that all female motorists are bad drivers and behave this way. Churchill’s Clare Foster told The Mirror, “Women get a lot of bad press for their driving skills, however, men can be distracted too.” Three percent of male motorists shave on the road and five percent have changed clothes while steering. So men, don’t think you’re getting off easy.

[image via Stylelist]