Advice from AutoTrader and female advanced driving instructor and stunt woman, Michele Habig
This Transport Month, as gender roles and rights are transforming faster than ever before, AutoTrader and advanced driving instructor Michelle Habig have teamed up to give top tips on how to be the best driver possible.
“Interestingly, women are far easier to teach than men,” said Habig. “They listen well and are attentive drivers, making them much more conscientious”
“Take a quick look at car insurance prices for men versus women – women are cheaper to insure, this is generally because they take less risks” points out AutoTrader Marketing Director, Angelique Lynch. “The next step to improving our abilities on the road, is to get smart on seat position in the car, and to learn a few advanced driving skills in addition to the basic driving rules you learn as part of your learner license” she points out.
To start with, a simple correction that can help women drivers, is seat placement; an often overlooked detail that Habig has seen repeatedly.
“Ladies tend to sit way too close to the steering wheel, which inhibits their arm movements when trying to steer,” said Habig. “The reason for this is no surprise – women are generally shorter, and without proper guidance it’s easy to get too close to the wheel in favour of making sure the pedals are in easy reach.”
Habig recommends three points to look at when finding the right distance from the steering wheel. First, touch the brake pedal with the right foot. There should be a good bend in the knee with no stretch to reach, and the knees should not be touching the wheel. Second, make sure you are able to see over your steering wheel and in the centre of your windscreen. Third, make sure the height and depth of your steering wheel allows you to rest your wrists on the top of it without your shoulders leaving your backrest.
“It might feel a little strange sitting in this way at first, but it’s the safest and most comfortable way to sit in your car,” said Lynch.
“If there is a ‘bad habit’ that female drivers have, I would say it’s a lack of confidence” comments Habig. Her best piece of advice is to invest in an advanced driving course.
Skills typically taught are ABS braking, collision avoidance, brake distance recognition (how long it takes for your vehicle to stop when travelling at different speeds), correct steering (with steering exercises), driver assistance (safety systems, what these are and how they work). “Practical exercises are carried out on different terrains like a skidpan, which can be abrasive when it’s dry and slippery when wet, in order to simulate different weather and road conditions” Lynch points out.
“There’s no substitute for knowledge,” said Habig. “I would recommend an advanced driving course to anyone”.
43 year old Michele Habig is one of only a few lady driving instructors in the South Africa. She has been freelancing for 10 years as an advanced driving instructor for various car manufacturers, and is privileged to drive exceptional vehicles on a daily basis. As an instructor she has worked throughout Africa, and as a stunt driver has had opportunities to double and feature in movies, advertisements and even a Drake music video.