November 2009

One in Ten Women Drivers have Banged on a First Date!

Millions of women drivers are getting their knickers in a twist over first dates, leading to an increase in road traffic accidents.

Statistics released by Diva insurance today, show that 11% of women have been involved in a minor bump or scrape on the day of a first date.

The research, which looked in to the stress levels of women drivers, found that a looming first date created higher stress levels than any other day-to-day stimulus. The study also found that women are three times more likely to be involved in an accident when they are nervous or stressed.

A survey of 3,000 women by Diva insurance, showed that a first date produced the highest level of stress to women (43%) followed by work (17%), family trouble (6%).

Rebecca Corbett, Marketing Manager for Diva Insurance, said: “When the human body becomes stressed, the hormone cortisol is secreted into the blood stream. This produces the body’s natural fight or flight response, but high levels over a prolonged period of time can lead to impaired cognitive performance.

“If a motorist is experiencing stress, whether caused by first date jitters, work or any other source, it can leave the driver severely distracted. Any impairment or distraction behind the wheel can dramatically increase the risk of a motorist being involved in an accident. With so many women listing dating as their biggest caused of day-to-day stress, it is not surprising that so many women are involved in date-day accidents.”