Wednesday 22nd September 2004

In-car organisation good for safety: survey

But one-third have had accidents while reaching for stuff

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Nearly nine out of ten women (89 per cent) say being well organised in their car helps them keep their eyes on the road, according to a recent survey of US drivers. However, 30 per cent of female drivers surveyed, ages 18-34, say they have either had, or almost had, an accident because they were reaching for or looking for something in their car. The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Ford's Mercury brand.

The study also found that most women who own or lease a car believe they are somewhat or very organised (80 per cent), yet many have trouble keeping their car organised and wish they had more storage space.

"For most drivers, a car is like another living space and the Mariner is a smart choice for people with active lifestyles who look for the little 'extras' in cars that make their ride more enjoyable," said Soave Stoppa, brand manager, Lincoln Mercury.

This survey was conducted in conjunction with Mercury's sponsorship of Real Simple magazine's "Get Organised New York" programme to benefit New York City's Fund for Public Schools. The survey findings of US women who own or lease a car include:

89 per cent of women say being well organised in their car helps them keep their eyes on the road;

30 per cent of women, ages 18-34, say they have either had, or almost had, an accident because they were reaching for or looking for something in their car;

62 per cent of women say their car is like another living space for them;

76 per cent of women agree that they crave organisation in their lives, especially when "on the go;"

48 per cent of women, and 60 per cent of women ages 18-34, say it is a constant battle to keep their cars organised;

57 per cent of women have gotten creative by adding one or more containers to their cars to help them keep organised;

27 per cent of women describe themselves as very organised and 52 per cent say they are somewhat organised;

56 per cent of women stated they wish they had more storage space in their cars for small items;

30 per cent of women would like to have more storage space for larger items, such as clothes and children's toys and equipment.

[dinkus]

Surely a better option is to not carry as much junk around with you?

The only things in my car are the manual, a bottle of water and some oil.

The spare tyre and toolkit came with the car, so they don't count

[V8 Archie]

Survey said:

30 per cent of women, ages 18-34, say they have either had, or almost had, an accident because they were reaching for or looking for something in their car;

The only things I ever look for while driving are cigarettes, money and (occasionally) lighter. All three are always in my pockets - never anywhere else unless I've taken cash for a toll out of my pocket and put it on the dash or transmission tunnel 'cause my back pocket can be hard to get to when driving.