We trust women to drive our families, race on tracks, and navigate impossible traffic. But do we trust them with our own cars?
Ahead of Women's Day, CARS24 launched 'Park Your Bias', a bold campaign that turns the spotlight on a bias we rarely acknowledge. Through a striking social experiment, the campaign uncovers a simple but revealing truth: even when skill is equal, trust isn't.
The Experiment That Exposed an Invisible Bias
At the entrance of a busy parking area, two valet attendants—one man, one woman, stood ready to park cars. Same uniform. Same job. Same experience.
The difference? Who people trusted with their keys.
Despite no difference in skill, 97% of car owners instinctively chose the male valet. Even when he was visibly inattentive, glued to his phone, eating mid-shift, or struggling with mobility, he was still picked over the female valet. Out of 80 participants, only three handed their car to the woman.
What Does This Say About Us?
This isn't about whether women can drive. They do. They hold 35% of India's driving licenses, they race professionally, they drive ambulances, and they navigate the same unpredictable roads as men.
And yet, the moment we see a reckless driver, our brain assumes it's a man taking risks. But when we see a driver struggling, it defaults to a woman.
Why? Because perception is stronger than reality.
The numbers however prove otherwise:
● Women are involved in fewer road accidents than men.
● Men are more likely to overspeed, drive under the influence, and violate traffic laws.
● Despite these facts, women are still seen as the 'lesser' drivers.
"This isn't about proving women can drive, we already know they can," said Gajendra Jangid, Co-Founder of CARS24. "This is about exposing a bias so deeply ingrained that we don't even notice it. If we hesitate to trust a woman with our car, what else are we unconsciously holding them back from? It's time to park this mindset for good."
CARS24's 'Park Your Bias' is a challenge to rethink the everyday decisions we make without even realizing it.
Bias doesn't just exist on the road. It exists in hiring, leadership, and opportunities. The automotive industry from dealerships to service centers remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, not because women lack skill, but because they are overlooked.
