阅读理解

　　British male drivers waste nearly six million hours a year lost on the road because they are not ready to ask for directions．

　　Men who are lost wait an average of 20 minutes before giving up and asking for directions, while women only wait 10 minutes before seeking help, according to a study from Royal Automobile Club Direct Insurance．

　　Men even stand a “nogging(唠叨)period” of around 10 minutes from their partner before throwing in the towel and stopping to ask the way, the poll(民意测试)showed．

　　Based on responses from 2000 adults, the survey also showed：

　　Some 64 percent of couples admitted to having arguments over getting lost on the road．

　　Only 27 percent of couples plan their journeys before getting off．

　　Just 36 percent of couples rely on landmarks and road signs of find their destination．

　　One in four couples still write down basic directions on a bit of scrap paper．

　　RAC Direct Insurance product manager Craig Martin said awareness of the problem could improve driving standards．

　　“The anxiety, increased stress level and road rage that can be caused by getting lost are unnecessary distractions on today’s busy roads when motorists need to be alert and able to concentrate,” Martin said．

　　“These problems can easily be avoided if motorists just take a bit more time to plan their journeys,” he added．

　　Martin said new equipment is being fixed in cars．Such as satellite navigation systems is now being used by about one in five drivers．