Destined to drive badly: can't park? your star sign might be to blame
- Researchers have revealed that Taureans are the worst drivers, whilst Scorpios rule the road with the least amount of accidents
- Geminis and Leos taking their driving tests this year should stay positive, as they are the nation’s quickest learners, and are most likely to pass first time
- The angriest, rudest and dirtiest car owners have been unveiled – are you one of them?
New research1 from Privilege car insurance has found that the nation’s driving habits may be written in the stars, as our horoscopes dictate which drivers are most likely to be involved in collisions or break the speed limit. The insurer has partnered with Debbie Frank, celebrity astrologer, to explain the behaviours of each of the star signs and to predict what the year ahead might look like for motorists.
Charlotte Fielding, head of Privilege Car Insurance said: “I was delighted to learn that my fellow Scorpios and I were unveiled as the best drivers of the star signs. On a more serious note, however, our research has found that a number of us have developed some bad habits like speeding and road rage. It’s important that we all take responsibility for making our roads a safe place for all those using them and to remember that the excuse “it’s simply down to my star sign” will not get you out of a speeding fine.”
The findings highlight the best and worst drivers of the zodiac, as well as those most and least likely to speed, display road rage, pass their driving test first time, be the designated driver, have the cleanest (or dirtiest) car and many more driving-related topics, as broken down below,
WORST DRIVERS
Those who regularly accept a lift from a Taurus, take note and beware: Privilege’s data from real accidents shows that this is the star sign most likely to make a car insurance claim2. Taureans, additionally, are the worst at parking, with more than one in four (27 per cent) admitting to frequently being unable to accurately park their cars.
Debbie’s verdict: Taureans are a stubborn bunch, and once they have planned their destination, their fixed mindset is activated. This means they won’t go for the easy route, and will place destination ahead of practicality, sometimes leading them to trouble.
BEST DRIVERS
The best drivers, on the other hand, are Scorpios, who are the least likely to make a claim on their car insurance. When it comes to parking, Cancerians are the most confident, with 61 per cent claiming to very rarely or never struggle with their parking, seven per cent above the national average.
Debbie’s verdict: Scorpios are intuitive, and make calculated decisions, which will make them better drivers. Similarly, crab Cancerians are cautious by nature, and will treat their car like a second home or skin, making them better at understanding their parameters and how to best manoeuvre them.
ROAD RAGE
Librans are the nation’s angriest drivers, betraying their balanced image, with one in ten (ten per cent) experiencing road rage every single time they drive. Geminis, alternately, appear to be the calmest drivers, with almost one in five (19 per cent) claiming to never experience road rage at all.
Debbie’s verdict: Contrary to Librans peaceful image, they can turn nasty if they are crossed. Gemini is the sign associated with motoring and movement, and this makes them calmer on the roads, this is where they are in their element.
SPEEDING
Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of all Brits admit that they break the speed limit frequently when driving, but the worst offenders are Leos, of whom 37 per cent ignore the limit often or all of the time. In contrast are conscientious Capricorns, least likely of the star signs to speed, with almost half (45 per cent) claiming to hardly ever speed, or never do it at all.
Debbie’s verdict: Leos think they are the lion king of the road, and therefore speed limits don’t apply to them. Cautious Capricorns are naturally law abiding – this will explain their respect for the rules.
DRIVING TEST PASSES
When it comes to passing the driving test, the slowest learners are Aquarians, with almost one in three (29 per cent) taking three or more attempts to pass. The prize for the quickest learner was tied between Gemini and Leo, 57 per cent of whom passed their tests first time.
Debbie’s verdict: Aquarians fail most often because they are easily distracted; they are also averse to tests. Gemini, alternately, are natural drivers and Leos pass first time because they are determined to win.
DESIGNATED DRIVERS
One of the most trusty star signs to know on a night out is Gemini, who are the likeliest to forgo alcohol and take on the role of designated driver, with almost one in five (19 per cent) doing it every single time they go out. Aquarians, on the other hand, cannot be relied upon to return the favour, as over a quarter (27 per cent) claim to never be the designated driver.
Debbie’s verdict: It makes sense that Gemini, who can be quite picky, would be happy to play taxi. Aquarians like to opt out and do their own thing sometimes, so they wouldn’t want to forgo their spontaneity on a night out by being designated driver.
CLEANEST CARS
Over two fifths (41 per cent) of drivers claim to wash their car exteriors at least once a month. Pisceans are the most committed to cleanliness, as almost half of them (47 per cent) will clean their beloved motors on a monthly basis. Least concerned about being clean are Aquarians, with one in five (20 per cent) cleaning their cars less than once every six months.
Debbie’s verdict: Pisces, as a water sign, have a natural affinity to cleanliness. Aquarians don’t care so much about appearances, and they are happy to leave their cars dirty.
RUDEST DRIVERS
Aries are the nation’s rudest drivers and are the least likely to be polite to others on the road, with almost a third (28 per cent) failing to frequently give way to others and behave politely when on the road. Sagittarians are the kindest road users, with 84 per cent claiming to be polite to other motorists the majority of the time.
Debbie’s verdict: Aries and Sagittarians are quite different in this respect. Whilst Aries tend to lack consideration for others, Sagittarians are easy going and laid back in their approach to driving.
KEEPING UP APPEARANCES
Status is key to Aries when choosing their cars, with a quarter (25 per cent) admitting that having a nicer car than their friends’ or family’s is important to them. Scorpios, on the other hand, are not fussed about how their cars shape up in comparison to their friends’, with 92 per cent agreeing that it is not an important consideration when buying a new car.
Debbie’s verdict: Aries are the most competitive sign of the zodiac, so naturally they will always want the best car. Scorpios are more concerned about their inner power rather than outer status.
EXPENSIVE CAR OWNERS
Pisceans are the flashiest car owners as they place more importance on owning an expensive car than the other signs (27 per cent), and they are also the most likely to own a sports car, as over one in four (29 per cent) would choose a sports car over another. Scorpios were the least likely to buy a sports car, with 88 per cent being uninterested in them.
Debbie’s verdict: Pisceans long to escape the mundane world, so it makes sense that they love flashy and sporty cars that they can fall in love with. Scorpios realise their true power lies within themselves, not in showing off, and so won’t be as competitive or flashy in their purchases.
THE GREENEST DRIVERS
The most environmentally conscious signs of the zodiac are Librans and Virgos, with 72 per cent of both saying low emissions are an important consideration when picking a new car. Capricorns are the least eco-friendly, with 14 per cent admitting that finding a car with low emissions was not important to them at all.
Debbie’s verdict: Librans are invested in the beauty of the planet, and try their best not to spoil it. Virgos are also anxious about their footprint, whereas Capricorns just want a car that does the job safely and reliably.
WACKY COLOURS
When it comes to being adventurous with car colours, Aquarians are the most likely to opt for a colourful car. More than one in ten (11 per cent) stated that their ideal car colour was purple, whilst seven per cent would choose a yellow car.
Debbie’s verdict: Aquarians are the most flamboyant sign; they love to make people stop and stare.
STOLEN VEHICLES
It seems that unlucky Aries may need to step up their vehicle’s security as, according to Privilege car insurance data, this sign is the most likely to have their car stolen. Sagittarians, however, appear to be the nation’s luckiest motorists, being the least likely to be victims.
Debbie’s verdict: Aries are always in a rush, and this might lead them to put themselves in unsafe positions. Sagittarians are the luckiest sign of the zodiac, radiating positive energy around themselves and their car.
DRIVING ENJOYMENT
Of the star signs, Virgos are the most likely to find pleasure in driving – with 79 per cent suggesting that they enjoy it, bringing them above the average of 73 per cent. Over a quarter of ‘petrolhead’ Virgos (26 per cent) said that they would take unnecessary trips in the car just so that they can be behind the wheel.
Debbie’s verdict: Virgos are ruled by Mercury, planet of motoring and mobility, so you can expect them to prefer doing their thinking in the car.
PRACTICAL CAR OWNERS
Comfort is apparently paramount in a car for UK drivers, with 90 per cent of the UK acknowledging that it is important to them. Virgos are the most comfort conscious of the signs, with 97 per cent focussing on this when car shopping.
Debbie’s verdict: Virgos appreciate the finest details, and are health conscious too; this means that their driving comfort is a priority.
2018: PREDICTIONS FOR THE STAR SIGNS
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries are hitching their wagon to a star and it’s all about ambition and getting ahead in 2018. This is the big year to get noticed and plans off the ground. When Mars turns retrograde in late June it’s time to put the brakes on and slow down a bit.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Wild child planet Uranus moves into Taurus between May and November for the first time in 84 years encouraging Taureans to step out of their comfort zone. Beware of accidents as Uranus is all about the unexpected. They may not see that car coming.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Geminis are in for a super-busy year, here, there and all-over-the-place. There’s a lot of movement in terms of getting between A to B and also work opportunities opening up in different locations.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerians are having a very social year rather than retreating into their shells. Attending gatherings, events and classes means they need to make plans to share transport.
LEO (July 23-August 22): As the eclipse pattern falls in Leo with a totally eclipsed Full Moon in their sign on January 11th and an eclipsed New Moon on August 11th they must be prepared for plans and even long held routines to change. Try a different route!
VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Jupiter, planet of plenty, in their zone of short journeys this year means they’ll be using the car more often. Day trips, sight-seeing and the desire to get out and do more will bring more Virgos out onto the roads than ever.
LIBRA (September 23-October 22): Librans are experiencing financial rewards this year so could upgrade their car. They are turning nifty with negotiations and able to find the best deal to get their prized possession.
SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): This is Scorpio’s luckiest year in 12 years as fortunate Jupiter is resident in their sign. They will want to travel, splash out and have a lot of fun which could include a grand tour ….. but don’t speed!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21): Saggis will use most of 2018 to strategise and plan their next move. It comes after November 8th when Jupiter bursts into their sign for a 12 month period and suddenly they go from staying in to being totally out there.
CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19): Capricorns have Saturn and Pluto in their sign in 2018 – keeping them nose to the grindstone. They are taking on greater responsibilities and living up to their reputation of being reliable. Therefore they are likely to have a clean driving licence and operate very sensibly.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18): Aquarius, like Leo is under the eclipse pattern this year with a pair of eclipses in their sign on February 15th and July 27th. This can spike life with unexpected circumstances – which is right up their street as they love surprises.
Just keep your eye on the car in front!
PISCES (February 19 to March 20): With hazy Neptune in the sign of Pisces it’s going to be hard for Pisceans to concentrate. They are in a dream-world a lot of the time and all those creative fantasies are fabulous – unless you happen to be in the driving seat!
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Olivia Shalofsky
PR Consultant
Olivia.shalofsky@directlinegroup.co.uk
01651 839 537
07795 301 346
Fran Langdon
Richmond & Towers
020 3179 0720
Notes to editors:
- 1Research conducted by Opinium among 2,004 nationally representative UK adults between 12th and 14th December 2017. The sample has been weighted to reflect a nationally representative audience
- 2Based on analysis of 856,615 pieces of internal claims data
Debbie Frank
Debbie is a renowned astrologer who has been in practice since 1984. Her most famous client was the late Princess Diana and Debbie became one of her inner circle in 1989 and they remained steadfast friends up until her death. Debbie started writing the horoscope column for SHE magazine in 1994 and has also written horoscopes and columns for some of the UK’s biggest publications including the Daily Mail online, Sunday Express, Hello, Instyle, Sunday Mirror and Daily Mirror. Her media reach also includes BBC2′s Steve Wright Show where she is a frequent guest astrologer.
Privilege
Privilege Insurance specialises in car insurance for safe drivers. It also offers home insurance and breakdown cover by phone or on-line.
Privilege general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Privilege and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Privilege’s products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 0515 or visiting www.privilege.co.uk