November 20, 2024 | Car Accidents
The debate over whether men or women cause more car accidents has persisted for years. Understanding the differences in driving behaviors and accident statistics between the sexes is crucial for improving road safety.
In general, men cause more accidents than women. Men spend more time driving, and they are more likely to engage in risky behavior like drunk driving and speeding. While women are involved in more accidents per mile driven, men have a much higher fatality rate per mile driven and cause more serious accidents.
Here’s a look at how driving behaviors and crash rates differ between men and women.
Men Are More Likely To Engage In Risky Behavior
Studies indicate that men are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors compared to women.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol is a factor in 31% of fatal crashes. Men are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents and more likely to die behind the wheel while under the influence.
In 2022, 32% of male drivers killed in accidents had a BAC of 0.08 or higher compared to 23% of female drivers. 33% of men killed in traffic accidents had a BAC of 0.08 or higher compared to 23% of women.
Men also account for 81% of all DUI arrests in the U.S.
Speeding
About one-third of fatal car accidents involve speeding. In 2022, 20% of male drivers in fatal accidents were speeding compared to 13% of female drivers, according to IIHS. Among young drivers ages 15 to 19, the difference was stark: 36% of males in fatal accidents were speeding compared to 22% of females.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigued driving is estimated to contribute to 16.5% of all fatal car accidents. Someone who has slept four hours or less is more than 11 times more likely to be in an accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 52% of men report having fallen asleep while driving compared to 30% of women.
Driving Without A License
Unlicensed drivers are more likely to speed and drive under the influence. About 10% of drivers in fatal crashes did not have a valid license.
Driving Without A Seat Belt
Almost 92% of American drivers and passengers wear a seat belt. For front seat car occupants, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and the risk of moderate to catastrophic injuries by 50%.
Overall, men are less likely to wear their seat belts than women. The difference is greatest among teenagers and young adults. Drivers between 19 and 29 had the highest rates of nonuse. Men in this age range are three times more likely than women to never or rarely wear a seat belt.
Men Cause Most Serious and Fatal Accidents
Men are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents. 30,669 of motor vehicle deaths in 2022 were men compared to 11,737 women. About 72% of people killed in accidents in 2021 were men.
Men accounted for most deaths across all types of accidents:
- 92% of car driver fatalities
- 92% of motorcycle accident fatalities
- 86% of bicycle accident deaths
- 70% of pedestrian fatalities
Men account for about 70% of drivers in fatal crashes.
Women Are More Likely To Be Injured In a Crash
Women engage in fewer risky behaviors and cause fewer serious accidents, but they are more likely to be seriously hurt in a crash. In crashes of similar severity, women are 17% more likely to die than men and 73% more likely to be seriously injured.
This disparity is partly due to differences in vehicle choice and crash circumstances. Women are more likely to drive smaller, lighter cars and are often the struck vehicle in side-impact and front-into-rear crashes, which can result in more severe injuries.
Another factor is that seat belts were designed for men. This crucial safety feature reduces the risk of serious injury, but seat belts often do not fit women properly. Seat belts were designed for an adult male of about 170 pounds and 5’9”. Most women are too short for the belt to fit correctly, so it instead rests across the lower abdomen and against the neck.
Instead of transferring force to the strongest parts of the body, force is instead transferred to the vulnerable abdomen and neck.
Male Versus Female Accident Rates
On average, men drive 16,550 miles annually compared to 10,142 miles for women. More time on the road means men have a higher risk of being involved in an accident.
Per mile driven, women are involved in more accidents. Women have a crash rate of 5.7 accidents per million miles driven compared to 5.1 accidents per million miles for men.
Men have a much greater fatal crash rate, however. Women have a fatal crash rate of 1.3 fatal accidents per 100 million miles compared to 2.1 fatal collisions per 100 million miles for men. Between 16 and 19 years of age, women are involved in 3.3 fatal accidents per 100 million miles compared to 6.4 fatal crashes for men.
Per mile driven, men have a 1.5 times higher risk of a fatal collision.
Drive Safely
Understanding gender-based differences in driving behaviors and accident rates is important to improve road safety. A better understanding of these differences can improve driver education, traffic enforcement, and even vehicle safety features. As a motorist, remember that defensive driving and practicing safe driving behaviors are the best ways to reduce your risk of an accident.
Contact our Personal Injury Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400