Men are more likely than women to be involved in crashes because of bad driving habits such as driving too fast and drink-driving, according to the IAM’s latest research report Licensed to skill: Contributory factors in road accidents.

When comparing men and women, men are nearly twice as likely to be involved in a collision due to being careless, reckless or in a hurry.  They are also more likely to crash because of poor behaviour or inexperience.  

The main differences highlighted in the report are:

• Careless, reckless or in a hurry is recorded more frequently for men (ten per cent) than women (six per cent).
• Travelling too fast for the conditions is recorded more frequently for men (seven per cent) than women (four per cent).
• Poor driving behaviour or inexperience is recorded more frequently for men (14 per cent) than women (ten per cent).

However recent research by the IAM shows that women and men aren’t so different when it comes to driving behaviour and attitudes. Most men and women enjoy driving, and rate themselves to be confident, considerate and safe. 

But almost twice as many men as women claim to be “very confident” drivers.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said:  “These results show that we need to look at the psychology of male drivers to reduce risky behaviour and over-confidence, but for both sexes accidents could be easily reduced by improving driver skills and lives could be saved.  The government is moving towards this by introducing driver training for careless driving offences but all drivers should consider training. Driving is a life-long skill that requires life-long learning.”