Car accidents claim more lives of men than women each year. However, the dynamics behind these figures reveal intriguing patterns in driving behaviors and the severity of accidents between genders.
Men generally drive more miles and engage in riskier driving behaviors, such as:
- Not wearing seat belts
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Speeding
These behaviors contribute to more severe accidents. Despite this, women are not 100% safe on the roads. Let’s explore current statistics to discover how many women are involved in accidents and how road safety can be achieved.
How Many Women Are Involved in Accidents?
Although men are involved in more severe accidents, women are more likely to die or be injured in accidents of similar severity. Accident statistics highlight that:
- Women cause 4.4 million accidents annually.
- Men do 62% of the driving but cause 58% of the accidents, suggesting women may cause slightly more accidents per capita.
- Women mainly cause “fender benders,” with no serious injuries.
- Female drivers have an estimated 17.0 ± 1.5% higher risk of fatality than men.
- Female front-right seat passengers face a 20.5 ± 2.2% higher risk.
- Female rear-seat passengers face a 15.7 ± 6.1% higher risk.
- Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young adult women aged 18 to 29 worldwide, resulting in nearly 1 million years of life lost annually in the United States.
- Despite advances in vehicle safety, young women still have a higher fatality risk in car accidents than men in similar scenarios.
Statistics in California
- 2,048 women died in accidents between 2017 and 2021.
- With 13,331,434 licensed female drivers, the mortality rate is 15.36% per 100,000 licensed female drivers.
- Between 2010 and 2019, women were responsible for 171,343 car accidents, according to LAPD data.
- Women are 71% more likely to suffer moderate injuries and 47% more likely to suffer severe injuries.
Despite the lack of exhaustive data, current evidence suggests that men are generally worse drivers than women. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that from 2000 to 2020, male traffic fatalities were more than double those of females.
Safety Tips for Female Drivers
- Always wear seat belts
- Avoid distractions
- Obey speed limits
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Maintain your vehicle
- Stay alert
Stay Vigilant on the Roads
To improve road safety, we must recognize and address the specific risks we face. While women typically have a higher fatality risk in accidents of similar severity compared to men, taking proactive measures can make a significant difference.
Stay vigilant behind the wheel and remember: Your safety is always a priority.
Sources:
Data.Lacity.org
KTLA
IIHS
NHTSA
NHTSA
Journals.plos.org
