Wigs are back... with a vengeance
With wigs revealed as a surprise new bestseller at stores like Harrods and Selfridges[1], female motorists are potentially putting themselves and their passengers at risk with these new fashion purchases, warns Sheilas' Wheels car insurance.
Putting vanity before vision, 53 per cent of female drivers polled[2] prioritise style and appearance over practicality when it comes to their hairstyle - so it's no surprise that women are reaching for fashion-wigs without a thought for road safety and having clear sight.
Over a half (57 per cent) of female motorists surveyed already admit to taking their hands off the wheel whilst driving in order to adjust their hair. In fact, a third of female motorists (33 per cent) have an existing hairstyle which impairs their vision.
However, surprisingly 59 per cent of female motorists think drivers should get penalty points or on-the-spot fines if their hairstyle impairs their vision while behind the wheel. So look out ladies, having the latest hairstyle or following a new fashion trend could be more costly than you first thought.
With celebs like Lily Allen modelling this winter's fashionable hats[3], which are bigger and baggier than ever, it seems that wigs are not the only fashion essential this season with the potential to cause a distraction on the roads. And with the current spell of cold weather, more people are likely to be wearing hats whilst driving to keep warm at the wheel.
In addition, over half (54 per cent) of female drivers questioned admitted to being influenced by celebrities hairstyles - so it seems that distracting hairstyles, wigs and the latest in headwear are to remain popular with fashionistas across the country.
Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels, comments: "Not many women think of their hair as a potential driving distraction, but with this new fashion-wig trend taking off it's essential that female motorists are aware of the possible dangers. Having impaired vision, discomfort, or distractions whilst behind the wheel - however slight - will increase the likelihood of having an accident.
There are so many hair accessories on the market that can secure hair in place without compromising style, so women drivers just need to find the right one for them and keep it in their glove box."
Sheilas' Wheels offers some top 'wig' tips for women behind the wheel:
- Choose a 'safe' style: try to avoid heavy or sweeping fringes that could impair your vision whilst on the road
- Make sure it fits properly: ensure that your wig is secure and fits well so that it won't slip out of place and obstruct your view. Consider whether your hairpiece would withstand the impact of a collision or an emergency stop
- Ensure it's comfortable: anything that makes you feel uncomfortable whilst driving is a distraction and will affect your ability to concentrate on the road. If your wig is an irritation, don't wear it whilst driving
- Never style it on the move: always check your wig before you leave the house and never use your journey time and your rear view mirror to style your hair
- If in doubt, don't wear your wig and drive: if your wig isn't practical to wear behind the wheel and affects your ability to drive safely in any way, then don’t wear it whilst driving
- ends -
For further information please contact the Sheilas' Wheels press office at Mischief PR on 020 7100 9999 or email sheilaswheels@mischiefpr.com
Visit the official fansite for Sheilas' Wheels: www.ilovesheilas.com
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Notes to Editors:
[1] The wig was a surprise bestseller over Christmas at stores like Harrods and Selfridges:
http://www.guardian.co.uk
[2] Sheilas' Wheels used the independent online research company MyVoice who surveyed 1,000 of the UK's female drivers, from across the country aged 18 and over, on 5th December 2007
[3] Large knitted hats were prevalent on the catwalk (Winter 2008/09) from designers such as Burberry Prorsum
About Sheilas' Wheels:
Sheilas' Wheels was launched in October 2005 to offer women drivers cheaper car insurance and product enhancements including £300 handbag cover - for bags stolen from the car (comprehensive cover only), competitive breakdown recovery rates, a dedicated counseling line run by trained professionals to help customers cope with driving issues such as road rage (comprehensive cover only) and a network of female-friendly repairers. In February 2008, the brand moved beyond car insurance to also offer home insurance.
Sponsorship:
Sheilas' Wheels sponsors the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins: "Whether skies are grey or blue, Sheilas’ Wheels could cover you."
