Only Husbands Drive

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Vintage car from Kentucky U.S. visiting Winnipeg.

There is a body of husbands who don’t think twice about being the main family driver. Their fathers did, so did their grandfathers. They believe it is part of protecting the family.

Their wives drive the car only when husbands are at work, or long distance trips where the driver has to rest at some point. Besides the male driving tradition, men used to own the cars before marriage. They took girlfriends on dates and dropped them back home. Therefore, they continued occupying the driver’s seat after marriage.

It is a family affair really, and public scrutiny is not called for. However, the outside world cannot help notice some morning driving patterns. There is one car. The husband drives it to his workplace, gets off the driving seat and wife takes over. She drives to her own job or back home, if she is a full-time home-maker.

She picks him up after work, peels herself from the driver’s side and walks over to the passenger seat. He drives them home. It will be quicker if she drives him to and from work, but that would upset tradition.

Once again, it is a family matter but what is the rationale? Are men supposed to be better drivers? Do other drivers respect male drivers more than female? Is it proof that they are responsible husbands?

Peace. That is the main reason. There are more important things to quibble about, not who left the toilet seat up or who monopolizes the driving seat.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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