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The Citizen asks – who are the better drivers?

An experiment conducted by the Gloucester Citizen has shown that it doesn’t matter whether you are male or female – safe driving depends on attitude.

When national statistics showed young female drivers are less likely to be involved in accidents than men, the Citizen decided to conduct its own test and invited readers to put their driving skills to the test.

To judge the battle-of-the-sexes contest, the Citizen recruited experienced instructor and retired police traffic officer Martin Conolly, who put the volunteers through their paces with a series of tests, manoeuvres and routes.

First up was husband and wife Sally and Brad Murdoch, who decided to take part in the experiment to settle a long running dispute – and even had a bet riding on the outcome.

Martin took each candidate in turn through an hour-long assessment in test conditions – but what was his verdict?

“I am going to be very diplomatic, and say that they were both very good, very safe drivers,” said Martin.

“Sally could pass her test if she took it again with a minimal amount of work, and Brad made me feel very safe in the car.”

Both were awarded a safe driver rating of eight out of ten.

Next at the wheel was Rob Deeley, (49). Again Martin awarded him eight out of ten.

Finally, Jenny Comstock, who is in her 60s, took to the road, and at the end of the assessment was given seven out of ten.

Martin said: “I don’t think you can fairly conclude who is the safer driver. Safe driving really depends on the individual and their attitude towards driving.

“Both men and women can be irresponsible, it all depends on attitude.”

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