Women Drivers in India: Breaking Barriers with Empowerment

Women are excelling in their chosen fields and achieving remarkable feats. Muthayya Vanitha led the Chandrayan 2 mission, India's second lunar mission, becoming the first woman in the world to do so. Hima Das won gold in the 400-meter race at the World Athletics Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this distinction. Surekha Yadav is one of the most senior female loco pilots in the Indian Railways, inspiring many women to pursue careers in male-dominated fields.

 

Women and their Driving Skills

Women drivers are often stereotyped as being reckless and incompetent. This is an inaccurate generalisation, as there are many skilled and safe women drivers on the road. Society's expectations and gender stereotypes can lead to women's driving skills being constantly scrutinised, which can be unfair and stressful.

 

Despite popular myths about women's driving skills, a study by "The Zebra" found that men are more likely to drive confidently while women are actually safer drivers.

 

Why Women are Safe Drivers?

Both men and women excel in various areas, and women often adopt safety practices that contribute to their road safety. Some of the observations are listed below.

• Female drivers tend to violate traffic rules less frequently and have a lower rate of offences.
• Scientific findings indicate that women possess longer attention spans in comparison to men, which can contribute to their proficiency in driving.
• The use of seatbelts is a fundamental requirement when operating a vehicle. Research indicates that women are more consistent in wearing seatbelts compared to men.

 

The Changing Landscape

India is undergoing a rapid transformation, and women are taking the lead in many areas. This includes driving, with more women than ever before choosing to drive their own vehicles or pursue a career in driving. Notably, a well-known Indian brand has introduced the 'Pink Bike' initiative, featuring women as bike drivers. This is a clear sign of the growing number of women drivers in India over the past decade.

 

Reason behind Change

The increase in women drivers can be attributed to a number of factors, including:

Education and Employment Opportunities

Increased access to education and employment opportunities has made women more independent and empowered them to take on new roles and challenges, including driving.

 

Changing Mind-sets

Society is becoming more progressive and accepting of women in traditionally gender-specific roles, such as driving. This has helped to dispel outdated stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for women drivers.

 

Safety and Security

Learning to drive and obtaining a driver's license can give women a sense of security and independence, especially when it comes to travelling alone.

 

Conclusion

Female drivers in India are increasing drastically and can be taken as a symbol of empowerment. It can also signify the increasing confidence of women and the ability to break traditional barriers.

 

Women's development in a country can signify progress and a step towards an inclusive and bright future. As more women take the wheel, they're not just navigating the roads; they're steering towards a brighter, more equal India.

 

Shriram General Insurance offers car insurance and bike insurance policies that are beneficial for both men and women, with customised policies designed to suit the needs of all individuals.