I passed my driving test on my fourth attempt - I can explain this statistic but I won't as it's too long and boring. My husband passed his first time. My husband is a pilot and he thinks that he is the best driver on the planet and that everyone else on the road is an imbecile. We have very different attitudes when it comes to being on the road.
My basic driving rules are this:
1.) Avoid collision
2.) Maintain good distance around the car from other cars - get out of my dance space
3.) Assume that everyone is a hazard
4.) Hold my breathe when passing lorries at night
5.) Drive in the middle lane wherever possible
I don't care whether I am a perfect driver or even a good driver. I don't see it as a barometer of a person's character. Of course, I recognise that it's important to be a safe driver. But I like to reserve the right to drive erratically and if the world was an honest place most people have off days in the car.
When confused.com asked me to test out their Motor Mate app for Android phones I was a bit reticient at first. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be judged. According to Hagar the husband my driving is wanting. Without airing our dirty linen in public he by far has the most dramatic car write-off and I would say he probably drives faster than me most of the time.
It's not a new debate, or gender battleground, and the jokes about women drivers still prevail. The Motor Mate app is based on black box telemetry using in planes and is set to help reduce insurance premiums particularly for young drivers whose parents can pay up to £2000 per year for insurance premiums. Now, as a mother of a 9 year old the prospect of this fills me with dread when my children reach driving age. Insurance companies will be installing telemetric devices in vehicles to reward those that drive well with premium reimbursements. I understand the need especially as I was involved in a car crash when a teenage driver drove into the back of my car because he was changing a CD and not paying attention.
In addition the law is changing and insurance companies will now no longer be able to provide lower insurance costs to women as a result of gender bias. In this world of much needed greater equality now they way to keep your insurance premiums down is based on your on road performance.
It was with great trepidation that I mounted onto my windscreen the android phone and the motormate app set to go. It took a bit longer than I expected as it will only give out results after driving for 250 miles. The app runs in the background while you're driving, measuring your driving style. It then gives you a score for your performance according to how safe you are on the road.
Hagar somehow managed to get hold of the phone before me and was the first one with eyes on my result. And you can imagine his shock when he discovered that this was the screen that greeted his eyes and wiped the smug smile off his face.
Yes, that's right I am a Marvellous Motorist!! With an overall score of 57 out of 100. Now Hagar ruptured his achilles tendon in Afghanistan a few months ago and still is not allowed to drive so we can't get into a competition but all I have to say is 'get in'!
Obviously, now I am villified then why don't you see how well you do.
Rate your driving performance
Confused.com MotorMate uses the advanced functions of a smart phone to accurately rate your driving performance.
Become a safer driver
Confused.com MotorMate rates your acceleration, cornering and braking. See which aspects of your driving may need improving.
Compete with friends
Invite your friends to use Confused.com MotorMate. See how your overall score compares against theirs.
I am a marvellous motorist!! #doesalittledance
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