It doesn’t even have to be a bench seat. I grew up with big cars, culminating in huge Town Cars, that had individual adjustable seats. Point is, they were flush with each other, not “bucket seats”, and one had a space between for anything from a full adult to a purse.
And yes, one can get out either side when in a crunch….such as because of idiots who park far too close with their dinky cars.
I’m mystified why these cars/trucks today don’t have a console big enough to hold a decent purse. Ford at least had a “crossover” that had a big dugout area under its seat where the purse could be pushed away…not getting in my feet while driving.