So, what's your sign? Finally, the phrase can function as a bona fide conversation starter instead of the eye-roll inducing standby of many a lounge lothario. What's all the hype about? Interestingly enough, new research points to astrology as being a predictor of driving habits.
Upon the completion of its five-year survey, Co-operative Insurance identified a correlation between a driver's zodiac sign and the respective likelihood to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. The U.K. study assessed the temperamental qualities assigned to each star sign by astrologers alongside data from more than 700,000 motor claims that were received between 2003 and 2007.
The report indicated a celestial stalemate of sorts between the late-autumn signs of Sagittarius and Scorpio, which were rated equally as the safest drivers. Despite clashing personalities– intense Scorpio's determination, drive and capability to control extreme emotions are at odds with the mellow Sagittarian propensity toward cheerfulness and even carelessness — the two share prowess on the road. Both boasted the fewest accidents of all the star signs.
Libra, whose natural tendency towards balance and diplomacy is said to be conducive to safe driving performance, trailed slightly behind the other autumn signs, placing third. The Zodiac's spring signs did not fare as well, as Taurus, Gemini, and Aries claimed the bottom three spots (in descending order). Taurus, though admired for a warm-hearted and loving nature, is known as the proverbial “bull in a china shop” on the road. Meanwhile, the company quipped that perhaps Gemini, the eloquent twins, exerts too much energy talking and not enough focusing on the road and its related hazards.
Aries was regarded as the worst performer of the starry-eyed bunch, as drivers under this sign were responsible for nearly nine percent of all road accidents. The insurer attributed the poor track record to the sign's quintessential “me-first” attitude, which might contribute to dangerous impulsiveness on the road.
So, should insurers trade in algorithms for zodiac charts to differentiate the conscientious from the careless motorists? Not so fast, said Neave.
“The results indicate that certain signs of the Zodiac are unluckier on the road than others,” he concluded. “It's also important, however, to put this into context with the huge overall improvement in road safety in recent years. We focus on promoting responsible driving, and we have seen a significant reduction in the number of claims since 2003.”
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