Over the years, different agencies have researched whether men or women cause more car accidents. The statistics generally show that men get into more accidents for several reasons.
According to Kelley Blue Book, women drive fewer miles than men. Males drive approximately 6,000 miles more than women each year. That is one reason why men get into more crashes – they are on the road more often.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System have found that men are likelier to speed, drive under the influence, and not wear seat belts. They also tend to break other traffic laws more frequently.
Younger male drivers take even more risks and are two times as likely to lose their lives in accidents that involve high speeds. They also have less driving experience than their older counterparts and can be more prone to making poor decisions.
Who Are More Likely to Experience Injuries in Car Accidents?
Statistics show that male drivers have a higher rate of getting into car accidents, but women who end up in crashes have a greater chance of being injured. Past studies have indicated that one reason for this is that they are more likely to be driving smaller vehicles that do not provide as much protection.
Additionally, car accident testing has not always considered women’s sizes. Older crash test dummies were designed to replicate the average male weight and height of 171 pounds and 5 feet and 9 inches tall. The first female crash test dummy was introduced much later and weighed 108 pounds.
Driving Has Risks for All Genders
In my experience, gender has never played much of a role in car crash injuries. Rather, age and current health conditions seem to be more of a factor. Thankfully, I have also seen that proper car seats for children are a must. I have represented clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries in car crashes while their child who was properly secured in a car seat was uninjured.
Driving presents certain risks for everyone, regardless of their gender. The best ways to avoid accidents are to follow posted speed limits, avoid distractions like cell phones and GPS devices, and avoid driving when intoxicated. Here are a few more tips for staying safe on the roads:
- Listen to weather reports, and postpone your trip when the forecast is poor.
- Practice defensive driving. If you see a driver weaving in and out of lanes, speeding, or behaving strangely or aggressively in other ways, stay as far away as possible. Pull over and report them or have a passenger do so.
- Allows follow the rules of the road.
Our Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Can Fight to Protect Your Rights
No one ever expects to get into a car accident, but a negligent driver can cause one that changes your life forever. If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with our experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams. Call us today at 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey we serve clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County and throughout the state.
