London: July 12, 2007 - Ever wonder why most women use both hands while driving while men only use one? Well that’s the mystery that researchers have now solved.

 They state that this happens because most men see their car as a part of themselves, and relax when they get behind the wheel. Women, on the other hand, view their car as a separate entity and thus tend to grip the wheel more firmly.

 Co-author Dr Iain MacRury, of the University of East London, said that how men and women talk about their cars is also an indication of how comfortable they are with the machines.

"Men talk about their cars as if talking about themselves," the Daily Mail quoted him, as saying.

 "Women are more comfortable expressing their feelings directly and see the car as separate. That's why women give names to their cars.

 "It's also why men drive with one hand on the steering wheel. They are physically relaxed as they think the car is part of them.

 "Women drive with two hands because they see the car as more 'detached'," he added.

 Co-author Dr Peter Marsh added that men, more than women, ‘identify’ with their cars.

 "Men hate talking about relationships. But the relationship they have with their car is different - because they identify with their cars," he said.

 "This is often demonstrated by genuine feelings of annoyance at the threat, or potential threat, of someone scratching or scraping the car. Affectionate patting of the steering wheel, car roof or dashboard, or glancing back as if to say goodbye, are also signs," he added. (ANI)