This commentary starts with two conditions which must be taken along with the comments. 1) This is absolutely NOT intended to be sexist or showing a preference for either sex. There is just no point in that kind of discussion - that's for numpties. 2) It is based on massive generalisations - along with so many discussions on all kinds of subjects. If it does not apply to you, that's quite OK and perfectly within the bounds of probability.
Men and women are different (though there are those who seem unwilling to acknowledge that except when it suits them)! They perform different functions within the whole social and procreative cycle of the continuance of mankind. It therefore stands to reason that there are some quite profound differences in the way they perceive our 'environment'. Spacial awareness being one area where there frequently appears to be a variance of perception.
Men are generally considered to be more analytical and women often more intuitive. Go to Ikea for a wardrobe and the man will probably focus on the practicalities and the woman on the aesthetics. It is my contention that the man will look at the spacial aspects of the object and the woman the physicality, the presence of the object.
If we now go to driving - which is where I was going in the first place - I should like to suggest that men see the space in the road environment and women see the physicality of it. Men will analyse the dynamic space around road objects whereas women will focus on the physical presence of road objects.
This could go some way towards explaining the contentious difference between the approach to driving between men and women. Men analyse the space available around objects and make a decision based on that assessment. Women see the objects themselves and their potential to impact on them and therefore make their decisions based on that set of criteria.
If you think about it, this might explain why men take more risks; have more accidents; drive faster. And women are more cautious; drive more defensively; have fewer accidents. Men become impatient when women take a long time moving-out at a junction for example, and according to a recent survey women are less stressed in traffic jams. Is this because the objects are moving more slowly and are therefore more predictable creating a less threatening environment? Whereas men would find it frustrating because it is restrictive - there is no space to get on with it.
Tiff Needell - formerly a racing driver, now a car show presenter - suggested on air that the reason men become stressed in traffic jams and women very much less so, is because women are less concerned about being late. What do you think?
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