Male drivers get lost - it's a fact

The study, conducted by a female-only car insurance company in the UK, shows that male motorists drive an extra 444km while lost every year - the equivalent of a trip from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein... without a clue as to where they are.

The study found that more than one-third of men would rather ask a woman than a man for directions, if they had to ask for directions at all.

"This might be an intelligent decision, given that 40% of men have pretended that they knew where they were going when actually lost, compared to 26% of women," says Robyn Farrell, managing director of 1st for Women Insurance, reputedly South Africa's number one female-only insurance brand.

In contrast, 74% of women have no issues about asking for directions.

'I'm going to hear what you say, but I'm not going to listen to what you say'

Just one of millions, apparently. (Image: Sindy Peters)

To add to the confusion, 40% of men said that even if they were to ask a stranger for directions, they would not always trust or follow them. It found that 25% of men wait at least half an hour before asking for directions, while 12% of male motorists refuse outright to ask a stranger for help at all.

"This avoidant behaviour means a major waste of time and money. The fact is, every kilometre driven while lost means more expense for the driver, in terms of fuel economy and potential for accidents," Farrell notes.

The study suggests that the cost of 'lost' driving time could be as much as £2000 (that's about R11 000) in petrol wasted in the lifetime of a British man.

"The results show that motorists in their mid-30s were more likely to stop and ask for directions, and took less than 15 minutes to pull over on average," says Farrell. This figure is seven minutes less than it would take a young driver to ask for help.

1st for Women Insurance has just launched two useful products for its policyholders, specifically to address the problems associated with being lost, and anxious as a result.

Help is just a call away

Trip monitor - This offering provides peace-of-mind while travelling with the constant monitoring of policyholder's journeys (with their consent). The monitoring of short distances at 30 minute intervals or long distances, such as holiday trips ensure that the driver and/or passengers reach their destination safely.

If contact is interrupted, the driver's next of kin or other specified party, such as emergency services, will be informed and the time and location of their last communication will be conveyed for a speedy reaction.

Directions Assist - A 24-hour directions helpline for guidance when travelling in the country offers help when you are lost, have left your directions behind or do not have a not have a GPS and need confirmation that you are taking the correct route.

Clear directions are given telephonically while travelling, or are faxed or e-mailed to a specific address. The helpline offers detailed map information of major metropolitan areas such as the Johannesburg CBD, West Rand, East Rand, southern and northern suburbs of Johannesburg, Pretoria suburbs, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and more.

"The best thing a motorist can do is to plan the journey well beforehand in order to avoid becoming lost and flustered, as a result," concludes Farrell.