Female drivers' behaviour on rural roads could well be one of the main reasons why car insurance for women is so cheap.
Research commissioned by the Think! Road Safety campaign found that ladies are much less likely to have accidents on rural roads than men. Their sobering statistics show that 71% of fatalities from 2005 that took place on country lanes were male.
There is a range of factors responsible for ladies' safer driving, including the fact that women are much more likely to take account of the road conditions when driving on rural roads.
Another influential factor is speed. 20% of male drivers admit to venturing over the speed limit on country lanes compared to just 8% of women.
Stephen Ladyman, the Transport Minister, commented on this point, saying: "Driving on rural roads can be deceiving. It is important that motorists approach rural roads cautiously and at a speed where you can still respond to conditions such as unforeseen hazards, sharp bends and limited visibility.
"Remember, the national 60mph speed limit should not be seen as a target on rural roads, as it is very possible to drive at an inappropriate speed whilst within the speed limit."
Lee-Anne Bass of CoverGirl Car Insurance Services, a company specialising in cheap car insurance for women, commented: "It seems that ladies have a better appreciation of the dangers that can be found on country lanes. Considering this, it's no wonder women get cheaper motor insurance than men."