Forget defensive driving, it's in the stars
Forget defensive driving, it is all in the stars. Those born under the star sign Gemini could be the state's worst drivers.
A Suncorp Metway study based on the number of car accident claims it received over the past three years found that more than 14,500 drivers born between May 21 and June 21 with the star sign Gemini had crashed their cars. This was closely followed by Taurean drivers, those born between April 20 and May 20, and Pisceans, born between February 19 and March 20.
Those with the star sign Capricorn had the least car accident claims.
Suncorp Metway national manager, personal insurance Warren Duke said while the study was light hearted, it was interesting that Geminis, typically described as restless, easily bored and frustrated by things moving slowly*, had more car accidents than any other sign.
He said Taureans, signified by the bull, were often described as obstinate and inflexible, while Pisceans could be risk takers and dare devils.
Capricornians, who came last on the list, were typically described as patient and careful.
Mr Duke said the study also showed that males had less car accident claims than females in 2001, although men caused more damage, with their car accident repairs costing more.
"Women make significantly fewer claims than men until their late twenties, but after that women, aged 29 and over, edge ahead of men, making slightly more claims."
Mr Duke said the study was carried out as part of Suncorp Metway's annual review of claims but there was no intention to use astrology to factor an individual's motor insurance premium.
"We always look for trends in claims to see if there are ways to reduce our pricing, but there is no intention to introduce astrology as a rating factor for motor insurance," he said.
Who's most likely to make an accident claim by star sign
- Gemini (May 2 - June 21)
- Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
- Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
- Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
- Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
- Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
- Aries (March 21 - April 19)
- Leo (July 23 - August 22)
- Libra (September 23 - October 22)
- Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
- Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
- Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
*Star sign descriptions taken from www.astrology-online.com
10 February 2002
next steps
For more information contact Warren Duke, national manager, personal insurance on 0409 630 080 or Catherine Hughes, media officer, Public Affairs on 3835 5183 or 0409 640 055
