Quarter of women 'apply makeup while driving'

Date: 21/9/2011

More than 3.5 million female motorists in the UK admit to applying their makeup while they are behind the wheel of their car, according to new research.

A survey conducted by insurance provider Diamond discovered that 23 per cent of women have carried out their beauty routine while in charge of a vehicle, with 16 per cent revealing that they either have been or have almost been involved in an accident as a result.

Of those who apply makeup while in their car, 60 per cent said they are stopped at traffic lights or stuck in congestion when they do so, but 12 per cent stated that they have carried out the task while in motion - with seven per cent taking their hands off the wheel to do so.

In addition, 47 per cent of respondents claimed to have checked their text messages, 30 per cent have brushed their hair and 34 per cent have consumed their breakfast while driving.

Other bad motoring behaviour uncovered by the survey included drinking hot beverages, looking at emails or reading a newspaper.

Diamond Managing Director Elwyn Gedrych said: "It's shocking that quite so many women admit to doing these tasks while driving. We all have busy lives but applying your makeup, or checking emails, when you're driving is dangerous as it means your full attention is not on the road ahead."

Male drivers were recently found to have their own bad habits, with the Institute of Advanced Motorists claiming in a report that men are nearly twice as likely as women to be involved in a collision as a result of carelessness, recklessness or haste.

Posted by Sarah Bailey