There is a general assumption that the majority of women and young ladies do not travel light; even for a brief journey in the car to visit a friend for lunch or to go and pick up the latest fashion magazine, one can expect to find a variety of items that women and girls deem absolutely necessary to take with them everywhere they go. However, research has concluded that female drivers are actually putting themselves at risk unnecessarily by leaving personal items in their car. Car insurance provider, Sheila’s Wheels, has discovered that the average value of the goods left in cars belonging to women was around £129, with a sum total of £2bn.

The research that was conducted by the insurer, who specialise in getting female motorists a better deal on their car insurance, revealed that three-fifths of women view their vehicle as an extension of their home. And by this admission, it is only natural to assume then that they would have toiletries, ipod, make-up, mobile phone, possibly some clothes and jewellery lying around on the backseats. More than eight out of ten women motorists have confessed to leaving items of clothing or shoes in their car frequently; these findings are thought to be directly linked to female after-work activities, as having the necessary resources accessible in their car enables a women to prepare herself for any occasion, from a date to after-work drinks without having to first go home in order to change her outfit and reapply her make-up.

Moreover, it was also discovered that of all the items one should expect to see in a woman’s car, books and shoes are among the most common articles to be found. Such goods left on display are an obvious temptation for thieves, who may be inclined to assume that they will uncover more treasures upon entering the vehicle as the items in clear sight may just be a taster.

In addition, discarding bits and pieces all over the car could actually pose a danger while driving if something becomes lodged under the pedals, particularly the brake. A tenth of all women surveyed by Sheila’s Wheels admitted that they had been involved in an accident or had narrowly missed out on having an accident as a result of this occurrence. Furthermore, in the instance of their being an accident, articles such as high heel shoes, belts and sharp jewellery could inflict injury on both the driver and any passengers travelling in the car as well.

In terms of the risk women are exposing themselves to in relation to theft, Sheila’s Wheels recommend that female drivers endeavour to place valuable items strategically out of sight of unwanted eyes as not only are they are at risk of contents theft, but one would assume that once a thief has broken into the car to loot the goods, they would be highly likely to steal the car as well.

The safest place to stow valuables and other articles is the car boot, and alternatively, for smaller items the glove compartment, particularly if you are going to be leaving your car for longer periods of time unaccompanied. The less that is on display the safer your vehicle will be, leaving you to kick up your heels and let your hair down.