Revealed: Men Are More Likely To Ding Another Car When Parking

Some research from Forbes which suggests that men – or at least people who identify as male – are more likely to clip another vehicle when parking. Or perhaps just willing to own up to it. Anyhoo, here’s the info;

Male drivers are 50% more likely to hit another car when parking compared to female drivers, according to new data compiled by Forbes Advisor. The research looks at Brits’ parking blunders and gripes, revealing over a fifth (21%) of men have hit another car when parking in the last 12 months. Comparatively, a much smaller percentage of women (14%) have done the same in the last year.

When breaking down the data, disparity amongst age groups was even more apparent. 40% of 18-34-year-olds admit to bumping another car on their way into a space, more than twice as much as 35-54-year-olds (16%).

Parking proficiency across the UK varies significantly, with some cities needing more work than others. Those living in Belfast may need to be cautious of other drivers as over one in four residents (26%) have hit or scraped another car while parking in the last 12 months – making it the fender bender capital of the UK. Following closely behind is Glasgow (23%), London (23%) and Leeds (21%).

The nation’s special awareness skills leave much to be desired as almost one in four (23%) admit to scraping or hitting nearby obstacles when parking in the last year. Despite the volume of parking blunders across the nation, the research reveals Brits’ confidence won’t be knocked as almost half (45%) rate themselves as proficient parkers (ranking 4 or more out of 5). When comparing Brits’ self-proclaimed parking abilities by gender, a whopping 53% of men rated themselves as ‘good’ parkers, as opposed to 37% of women, despite having more accidents when parking in the last year.

THAT TWO BAYS PLOY, SAVES DOOR DINGS THOUGH

However, when it comes to the UK’s parking preferences, the survey shows motorists are a pernickety bunch. Almost a fifth (19%) admit they hate parking near other cars – so will drive further away, even if they have to walk a much longer distance. Meanwhile, 14% need total concentration and complete silence when pulling off a manoeuvre. In some extreme cases, over one in 10 (11%) selfish drivers deliberately park in the middle of two bays so they have space either side.

IE salutes those parkers however. That two bays move can save an expensive door from being marked, as most parking bays in the UK are suitable for tiny city cars, not the popular SUVs and EV monsters that many people lease these days. Therefore they are preventing a claim, so yep, all good.

Whilst it is clear UK motorists are picky parkers, data also shows parking prejudice is rife. Saving face is key to the average Brit, as they would rather park an additional 3 minutes’ walk away, just to avoid having someone else watch them get into a difficult space.

Kevin Pratt, car insurance expert at Forbes Advisor, says: “Whilst the latest advancements in car tech, like the addition of park assist and self-park features, may make it easier for drivers to manoeuvre into spaces, many cars on the roads still do not have these capabilities. 

“Our research shows many drivers are struggling to get into spaces, resulting in accidents that could impact their car insurance premiums. When attempting to park it’s important to take your time and remove any distractions, such as loud music or objects in the rear-view mirror – this should help reduce the risk of hitting cars or obstacles nearby.”