Fear of crime is spelling the end to roadside chivalry as a survey reveals only a small proportion of men say they would stop to help stranded female.
Although the vast majority (87%) of the 840 drivers polled by online broker motorinsurance.co.uk have, in the past, left their own car to help another motorist who has broken down, fewer than half (45%) would do it again.
And even fewer (36%) drivers would stop for a stranded female driver.
Fear seems to be the biggest factor in the change of attitude towards helping fellow motorists. More than one third (35%) of those surveyed are worried that if they stop to help another motorist, they will become the victim of crime.
Although one in 10 of drivers use the excuse that they are in too much of a hurry, the survey also brought out some feeling of self-satisfaction at seeing a broken down vehicle. Shame on you.
One in six motorists (17%) would not stop to help out the driver of a very expensive car, and others (7%) would not stop on principle; that being that everyone should have breakdown cover. How concieted is that!
Oh dear, I still have a very vivid memory of my fahter stopping to help a distressed lady motorist. I also remember how grateful she was to my father and equally the look of pride on my father’s face when he sucessfully managed to fix her car.
That was many moons ago, and if this survey is a reflection on modern day motorists attitude, then I guess that means the age of chivlery is sadly dead.
Jackie Violet