Viktoria Fedkina drives along the training track of a driving school in Moscow, in this September 30, 2006 photo. At a disused airfield on the outskirts of Moscow, driving instructor Yekaterina Karenina hits the accelerator of her BMW and speeds past a row of broken, faded military jets. For $500, Russia's female drivers can pay Karenina to teach them the same trick in a country where females behind the wheel are still a relative novelty. - file

Last week we looked at what men had to say about women drivers. This week we conclude with what women have to say about their experiences in the driver's seat.

Female drivers bear the brunt of harsh criticisms. But have you ever stopped to think how female drivers feel from the driver's seat?

Paulette Baker has been at the wheel for the last 17 years. She said, over time, she has heard many negative comments, including that women don't give blighs (stop to give way).

"Over the years, I have come to accept this statement to be true. I believe it, so I act on it. I don't give blighs," said Baker.

She also agrees that it is true that women drivers tend to play it safe, because she does.

"However, if I am late for work, I will take a chance, such as running the light, usually if it's on amber."

She points out that she does not take many risks when it comes to driving because she is a coward and is afraid of accidents.

Timid driver

On the other hand, Tesi Johnson said she is not a timid driver. She has come to realise that the point of driving is to get from point A to B. As such, she does not let anyone upset her on the road.

"No matter how many times people 'bad drive' me, and taxi operators berate me for going too slow, I don't let it bother me," said Johnson.

She added that in the past she would take it personally when someone cut her off and would make it a point of duty to find a way to do the same.

"However, I have come to realise that it is not worth it. So, when taxi operators and bus drivers act like they own the road, I just pull over and let the pass."

She explains that at the end of it, you become all worked up even for the entire day, while the other person who 'bad drive' you thinks nothing of it.

However, in spite of the lack of courtesy on the road, it is a pleasure to be in the driver's seat. "I have come to realise that you can be an apathetic or aggressive driver and I have chosen the apathetic route."