Northern Ireland men most likely to concede women are both better and safer drivers

The figure was among the highest in a survey carried out by the AA which found almost a fifth of male drivers in the region rank their partner’s safety behind the wheel higher than their own.

Along with Scotland and East Anglia, 19% of Northern Ireland men said their other half is a safer motorist while 8% of them said they were better.

The figures compare with women being four times more likely to concede that their partner is a better driver than they are.

AA president Edmund King commented: “Women are still more likely to be in the passenger seat and more likely to think their partner is a better driver despite the trend showing women making more car trips as a driver while the trend for men declines.

“The accident figures still clearly show that males are more likely to be involved in crashes.

“You may be a more confident and sharper driver than your partner, more skilful with the controls, reading traffic, manoeuvring and taking opportunities, but it doesn’t mean the person in the seat beside you shares your self-assurance.

“The AA would advise that, just occasionally, partners should check with their other half whether they are happy with how they are being driven - rather than forcing them to sit in silence with gritted teeth.”

The AA said 28% of female motorists accept that their other half is more proficient behind the wheel compared with just 7% of men.

But that does not mean the same proportion of women believe their partners are safer on the road.

A total of 37% of women claim they are the one who is more careful, while 13% believe that applies to their partner.

Only 16% of men accept that their partner is safer than they are, however.

Men in the North East are least likely to concede that their partner is the better driver at just 5%, while those in London, East Anglia and Northern Ireland are the most complimentary at 8%.

But men in London set the lowest figure for believing their parter is safer, at just 14%.

More than 24,700 motorists were polled by the AA for the study.