The headline of this article should get your blood boiling. It does mine. Because I hate that women are seen as too dainty to drive big cars. Here’s why this couldn’t be further from the truth…
Having been a motoring journalist for the past 12 years, I’ve had the pleasure of driving just about every single kind of car that’s been offered in our market. And I have never once thought that, as a woman, I should not be driving a certain car. In fact, I think the opposite. There’s no car too powerful, too big or too quick for me or any woman, even if ignorant men such as Red Bull GmbH Formula One Teams’ advisor Helmut Marko will have you believe the opposite. Wheels24 reported that the former racing driver said that he had doubts that any woman would make it into F1. He said, “Wheel-to-wheel fighting at 300km/h means you must have some brutality. I don’t know if that is in the female nature.” He also remarked that women are not strong enough for 4G-plus cornering forces.
Does this not sound a bit like the myth that women are bad drivers? Because the irony is that studies have shown women are far better drivers than men. In one, it was found that 80 percent of all auto accidents that kill or seriously injure pedestrians involve male drivers and, according to most studies, it’s because men are too aggressive behind the wheel. But then, you might ask, would this not mean that they would be better at F1 racing, like Marko says? I doubt it – because this type of driving behaviour also leads to more mistakes. And mistakes while driving can be deadly.
One just has to google “women drivers” and the results will give you an indication of just how bad the “woman as bad drivers” stereotype is. And the worst part is that many women buy into it, which completely baffles me. And, yes, I have experienced some shocking driving from women (I’ve also experienced bad male drivers, by the way), but I think I can hazard a guess as to the reason.
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Should We All Be More GenZ
Those born between 1997 and 2012 now make up more than a fifth of the workforce - and while they might have strong opinions on your jeans, it's not the only thing they care about. From healthy boundaries to prioritising mental wellbeing, WH makes the case for growing down...
OPTIMISE YOUR ENERGY
Experts say we're suffering from a \"fatigue epidemic\" - but that it's fixable. Deep-dive into the research behind this phenomenon and learn to service your source for the long haul.
The Real Art Of Getting Closure
The days of waiting for someone else to give you answers are officially over. Understanding isn't handed to you. It's work you - yes, you! - put in.
May I Recommend Being A Serial Dater And Not Having Sex?
If you like snacks or bad TV, you're already on your way.
Force Of Habit
From over-worrying to over-shopping, your impulses might hold you back more than you think. Cycle-breaking insights, ahead.
Unleash Your Inner Child
Sometimes, finding happiness in the present means healing the past. Experts share simple ways to show kindness to your former self.
Water Works
Proper hydration is the key to healthier, more manageable hair - and it doesn't entail a dramatic overhaul. It starts with a little knowledge and ends with a few moisturising micro-adjustments to your routine.
The Active Girl's Sun & Sweat Guide
Exercising outdoors requires a little extra effort when it comes to protection. But it's worth it. You can level up your SPF game and still enjoy open-air workouts.
Tatjana Schoenmaker
Trailblazer Tatjana Schoenmaker reflects on her remarkable career, what drives her and how she hopes to make the most of her future needs.
Charted Waters
Take a deep dive into the sport that'll shape, tone and help you find mindfulness. Your guide to swimming, right here.