Women stressed by roundabouts

Posted :20-12-2005

As many as 45 per cent of women motorists claim that navigating a roundabout makes them nervous, it has been claimed.

According to Saga Motor Insurance, despite men having more accidents at roundabouts, it is women who find the experience of traversing one the most nerve-racking.

A new survey by the insurance company revealed the statistics while examining Brits' attitudes to the nation's roundabouts in terms of both aesthetic and navigational considerations.

The infamous Magic Roundabout on the A4312 in Swindon was voted the nation's least loved roundabout; the cluster of five mini-roundabouts often causes drivers to drive in the wrong direction, Saga found.

The traffic light sculpture roundabout at Canary Wharf in London and Spitfire roundabout in Birmingham on the other hand were found to be amongst the nation's favourites in terms of aesthetic qualities.

Andrew Goodsell, chief executive at Saga, said: "It would seem that roundabouts are a cause of celebration as well as consternation for the nation's motorists.

"It is interesting that the favourites appear to have been chosen for their aesthetic quality, rather than ease of navigation, while the worst have been selected for the opposite reasons.

"It would appear that women have the right attitude when it comes to roundabouts as their cautious approach does seem to result in fewer accidents."

Women drivers nervous about unavoidable traffic measures such as roundabouts may be reassured by taking out a comprehensive women's car insurance policy.


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