At the turn of the 20th century, automobiles were quickly becoming the preferred mode of transportation. And while, driver's licenses were issued to women, the percentage of male drivers greatly outnumbered female drivers for decades to come, with gender roles being a significant factor.

Jokes were even made at women's expense, with one example being the a 1963 episode of "The Jetsons" titled, "Jane's Driving Lesson." In the episode, Jane receives a driving lesson, and she is not only the subject of scrutiny from her husband, George, but also finds herself being hijacked by a bank robber.

The robber soon finds he is so terrified of Jane's driving that he would rather go to jail than be subjected to her reckless motor skills.

Thankfully, with the numbers of male and female drivers evening out and mainstream acceptance of sexism on the decline, there is no more need to poke fingers at who is the better driver. Or is there?

Even with the jokes and blatant sexism of the 1960s, the battle of the sexes, as it pertains to driving, still seems to be a hot debate.

While it doesn't matter at Deseret First Credit Union whether you are male or female when seeking an auto loan, here are some common arguments on both sides of the gender road:

Five reasons women are better drivers

1. Motherly instincts

Even with more women working outside the home, women still dominate the daily role at home, making it so that most of their driving hours are spent with children buckled in the backseat. Furthermore, the maternal bond that is formed between a mother and her child is not easily broken, especially while in a fast-moving vehicle surrounded by other fast-moving vehicles.

A popular comic, titled, "Mom, the original seatbelt" illustrates this perfectly. In it, a mom is depicted reaching over to protect her child while she is driving, even though he is wearing his seatbelt.

2. More passive

Rather than racing another driver to that perfect parking spot, a female driver is more likely to allow the other driver to have it, while she finds another spot.

This passiveness lends itself to fewer accidents because the female driver will avoid accidents whenever possible.

3. Aren't afraid to slow down and ask for help

While GPS devices have nearly eliminated the need to stop and ask for directions, they haven't stopped women from taking the time to ask for help. Whether it be help changing a flat, or asking for directions, should modern technology fail, taking the time to get the help needed rather than trying to do it themselves even when they don't know how makes women better drivers.

4. Have more patience

Spending many hours in the day with children requires a lot of patience, and women — particularly mothers — get a lot of practice with this particular skill.

Waiting for a light to turn green, or a semi to crest the top of a hill pales in comparison to having a child throwing a two-hour tantrum.

5. Better at multitasking

According to study performed by psychologists at the University of Hertfordshire, the University of Glasgow and the University of Leeds in the U.K., women are better multitaskers than men. And while multitasking and driving may not be the best of ideas, the truth of the matter is, they go hand in hand.

While driving, you are not only steering the wheel, but you are also applying the gas, checking multiple mirrors, paying attention to traffic signs and much more.

Five reasons men are better drivers

1. More focused

If there is one thing that is often said about men, it is that they have a one-track mind, which does not just apply to romantic relationships.

This laser-like focus also applies to driving, and serves men well as they can focus better on the task of driving without succumbing to other distractions.

2. Have more confidence on the road

Confidence is key in successfully performing a task, and it is no different with driving. And according to a study conducted by The Cooperative Insurance, 80 percent of men say they are confident drivers compared to just 64 percent of women.

3. Are more assertive

Often mistaken for aggressive driving, men are more assertive drivers. And, according to assertivedrivertraining.com, assertiveness is the safer way to drive.

"Car owners frequently experience frustrating situations while on the road. Sometimes it's heavy traffic. And sometimes it's confusion at a four-way stop," the article reads. "No matter the situation, driving assertively is a safe solution to the woes you face behind the steering wheel."

4. Have fewer distractions

While women are often driving a carpool full of kids, men spend the bulk of their driving solo. This makes for fewer distractions on the road and safer conditions.

5. More protective

Mothers may have the motherly instinct, but men are born protectors who will protect their family at all costs.

Instead of reaching over to be a human safety belt, he will apply the brake while simultaneously letting the other driver have a piece of his mind, just like he let the boyfriend of his teenage daughter know on their date the night before.

Regardless of who you think is the better driver, the reality is this is no longer the early 1900s or even the 1960s. Women and men spend equal amounts of time behind the wheel, and each has their strengths.

Deseret First Credit Union knows this, and will treat every driver with the respect he or she deserves by offering quick pre-approvals and low rate auto loans to all its customers, even the George Jetsons of the world.

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