When it comes to driving principles, there are times I feel ashamed of the female species. I used to aggressively defend ‘our kind’ when the men make comments about women drivers. We’ve been called lousy drivers, terrible drivers or simply ‘women drivers’ followed by a shake of the head.

Okay, I have to agree that men and women are made differently and therefore have different skills. I’m also beginning to agree that perhaps driving proficiency isn’t one of our talents. Once again, I’m speaking of the majority as I am aware that there are exceptions. However, I thought that where we lack the skills, we might compensate with consideration, courtesy and basic driving ethics. Unfortunately I was wrong.

I have many times encountered impatient drivers hooting loudly at someone taking a long time to park and blocking the road. I have also witnessed drivers not stopping at pedestrian crossings for people waiting to cross the roads. Recently, I came across a driver who “stole” my parking lot even when I’ve indicated I was waiting for the lot way before she arrived at the scene. Yes, sadly they are all women.

Are women drivers that insensitive and inconsiderate? I certainly hope not and that it’s merely a minority that I've encountered.

Audrey love (senior writer)