Male drivers waste six million hours a year
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-15 14:01

British male drivers waste nearly six million hours a year lost on the road because they are reluctant to ask for directions.

Motorists travel along the A1 in northeast England. A Royal Automobile Club Direct Insurance survey found that British male drivers waste nearly six million hours a year lost on the road because they are reluctant to ask for directions. [AFP]

Men who are lost wait an average of 20 minutes before giving up and asking for directions, while women only wait 10 minutes before seeking help, according to a survey from Royal Automobile Club Direct Insurance.

Men even endure a "nagging period" of around 10 minutes from their partner before throwing in the towel and stopping to ask the way, the poll showed.

Based on responses from 2,000 adults, the survey also revealed:

--Some 64 percent of couples admitted to having arguments over getting lost on the road.

-- Only 27 percent of couples plan their journeys before setting off.

-- Just 36 percent of couples rely on landmarks and road signs to find their destination

-- One in four couples still scribble down basic directions on a bit of scrap paper.

RAC Direct Insurance product manager Craig Martin said awareness of the problem could improve driving standards.

"The anxiety, increased stress levels and road rage that can be caused by getting lost are unnecessary distractions on today's busy roads when motorists need to be alert and able to concentrate," Martin said.

"These problems can easily be avoided just by motorists taking a bit more time to plan their journeys," he added.

Martin said new technology installed in cars, including satellite navigation systems, were now being used by about one in five drivers.