Contrary to certain notions of chivalry, women are increasingly likely to drive to a date rather than be picked up, according to an unscientific survey by LeaseTrader.com.
The "Sex Drive" poll found that about 33 percent of women who were not in a relationship did the driving when on a date in 2009, compared with about 24 percent in 2008 and a little less than 14 percent in 2005. Of women in a relationship, about 28 percent said they drove when on dates in 2009, up from about 26 percent in 2008 and about 10 percent in 2005.
The automobile lease-swapping company polled roughly 1,500 of its customers — all unmarried women — across the country. Twenty-one percent of respondents were from Chicago, spokesman Ethan Goldman said.
Most of the women behind the wheel reported feeling safer traveling in their own car. Others said they didn't like their date's car, loved their own car too much to ride in another vehicle or thought arriving in their own auto would impress the other party. Some respondents surmised that driving their car would give them a better shot at another date.
Goldman said the poll was inspired by a customer who mentioned she would be driving to a first date. He was surprised and wondered if she represented an anomaly or trend.
"I guess I was brought up that men do the driving, kind of a chivalry thing," he said.
While the politics of who drives seem to be shifting, you should probably still open her car door, just to be on the safe side.
This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com