In 1971, 35 percent of women were drivers.
By 1994 this figure had increased to 46 percent.
Women and cars
"A motor car is really preferable to a husband in many ways... it is more manageable and is such a delightful companion and form of amusement. If you take care of it, it remains true to you and responds to your every wish and whim". So spoke Miss Allen to The Australian Motorist in 1914.
While it is doubtful that many Australian women saw the car as a long-term substitute for a partner, one thing is beyond doubt, and that is the enthusiasm that Australian women have for driving.
The First World War increased the availability of cars to women as men went off to war, leaving their vehicles behind. In the decade after the war, an increase in real wages, together with a drop in the cost of car ownership led to a significant increase in the number of women drivers.
In the years after World War 2, female drivers found themselves facing an image problem as the concept of the "woman driver" emerged in popular imagination. This reckless creature supposedly made driving instructors nervous and reduced the car to a mere fashion accessory. The reality - that women drivers were more careful than men, had fewer accidents, and were less likely to drink and drive, had little impact on this stereotype.
Source: Cars and culture : our driving passions
Last updated: 1st February 2012
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