WOMEN drivers are much better than their male counterparts, if children have a say in the matter.

This was revealed in a survey carried out by Vauxhall to gain an insight into modern family motoring.

Almost half the children questioned trust mum more behind the wheel, compared with only a third who said their dad.

Dads are also more likely to drive too fast or talk on their mobile phones, while mums get lost more often and have difficulty parking.

Vauxhall Meriva brand manager Sara Nicholson said: "We commissioned the survey among hundreds of parents with children aged under 12, in order to get insights into the way young families use cars.

"Because we also spoke to the kids, the results have been both useful and amusing."

About half of parents surveyed admitted to singing badly behind the wheel, but the kids said it was more like three-quarters.

In the North East a third of the adult participants admitted the pressures of the road sometimes gave way to the odd four letter word.

However, almost all the kids said their parents used bad language in the front.

Road rage aside, one in ten of the adults said they enjoyed a bit of a kiss and cuddle during car journeys.

Once again the kids disagreed, with 20 per cent saying they had to endure the sight of mum and dad kissing from the backseat.

Updated: 08:26 Monday, April 07, 2003