A vast majority of women drivers—95%—report having experienced aggressive behaviour behind the wheel, according to a new global survey released to mark International Women Drivers’ Day (June 24).
The survey, commissioned by Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) in collaboration with Czech motoring magazine Žena v autě.cz, collected responses from 1,879 women in 47 countries. It is the most comprehensive study to date on women’s perceptions of driving, both in terms of their own habits and the behaviour of others.
Aggression, Anxiety, and Unequal Roads
The survey findings paint a concerning picture. More than half of the respondents said they encounter aggressive driving “very often,” with another third saying it happens “rather often.” Common behaviours cited included tailgating, reckless overtaking, verbal abuse, and flashing lights without cause.
The emotional toll is equally stark. The most frequent reactions reported were anger (39%), nervousness (34%), and fear (14%). Only 14% of respondents said they remain unaffected by such incidents.
Strengths and Self-Perception
Beyond external threats, the survey also asked women to evaluate their own driving abilities. The most commonly cited strengths included:
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Cautious driving (29%)
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Following traffic rules (25%)
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Quick reactions and alertness (21%)
When it came to weaknesses, women most frequently pointed to parking (26%), indecisive driving (26%), and difficulty in poor conditions such as rain or darkness (23%).
Interestingly, nearly 20% of respondents said they saw no weaknesses at all in their driving skills—a finding that directly challenges persistent stereotypes.
Persistent Myths About Women Behind the Wheel
The survey also explored societal perceptions and stereotypes. Nearly half (46%) of respondents said the most common stereotype they encountered was that women “can’t park.” Other clichés included claims that women drive too slowly (21%), sit too close to the wheel (14%), or don’t understand the rules of the road (8%).
“The results show that women are not only aware of how they’re perceived—they’re also highly self-aware about their own driving abilities,” said Sabina Kvasova, editor-in-chief of Žena v autě.cz. “Yet despite their safety-conscious habits, they continue to face disproportionate levels of hostility on the road.”
More Than Mobility: A Matter of Freedom
The release of the survey coincides with International Women Drivers’ Day, a date chosen to commemorate the 2018 lifting of the driving ban for women in Saudi Arabia—a landmark moment for women’s rights and mobility.
“This isn’t just about driving—it’s about freedom, dignity, and equality,” said Roman Budský, traffic expert from Platforma VIZE 0, which advised on the research. “Driving gives women access to work, education, independence, and the open road—just like it does for men. But too often, their experiences remain shaped by fear, judgment, or outdated views.”
A Global Study with Local Relevance
The survey gathered responses from countries as diverse as India, Ireland, Brazil, Egypt, the UAE, and the U.S.—highlighting both shared experiences and cultural differences. While the frequency and nature of aggressive behaviour may vary, the overarching theme remains the same: women around the world do not always feel safe or respected on the road.
With campaigns like WWCOTY’s, and initiatives such as International Women Drivers’ Day, there is growing momentum to change that. The message from the survey is clear: women are not just passengers in the driving world—they’re here to stay, and they deserve to be treated accordingly.
