Car Insurance - Hair proves a road risk

Car Insurance - Hair 'proves a road risk' - 14/01/2008

Dolled-up female road users are letting their hairstyle concerns quite literally get in the way of their personal road safety, it has been claimed.

Woman-only car insurance firm Sheilas' Wheels has found that 190,000 road users have had an accident, a near miss or have been forced to take evasive action thanks to their hair obscuring their field of vision.

The current celebrity trend for heavy fringes, popularised by such style icons as Kate Moss and Katie Holmes, has worsened this problem, the car insurance provider said.

Worryingly, a slim majority (53 per cent) of women quizzed by Sheilas' Wheels said that they prioritised a stylish cut over practical concerns about their hair.

When asked why they didn't tie their cool coiffure back for safety's sake, 33 per cent said that they didn't think it necessary - and eight per cent said that they didn't want to ruin their cut.

Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels commented: "Not many women think of their hair as a potential driving distraction, but with the latest trends all requiring styling around the face and eyes, it’s essential that female motorists are aware of this safety issue.

"There are so many hair accessories available that can secure hair in place without compromising style, it’s just about finding the right one for you and making sure it’s handy whenever you step behind the wheel."