Women are Safer Drivers Than Men
Statistically, women are better drivers than men. Studies and statistics show men are more likely to cause accidents that result in injuries and deaths, even after accounting for the fact that more men drive. If truck driving was a female rather than male, dominated occupation, there might be fewer truck accidents and related injuries and deaths.
Are Men More Dangerous Drivers?
A study based on accident data in the United Kingdom found that male drivers of five of six vehicle types (bicycles, cars/taxis, buses, vans, motorcycles, and trucks) were more dangerous to others on the road.
In addition to being a higher risk to others, men are more likely to drive more dangerous vehicles. Male drivers of certain vehicles are far more likely to cause accidents per kilometer driven, including:
- For vans and cars, men were twice as dangerous as women
- For trucks, men were four times as dangerous
- For motorcycles, men posed more than ten times the risk of an accident
Researchers stated hiring more women in male-dominated positions would make roads safer.
Researchers found that in England, taxis and cars were involved in two-thirds of fatal vehicle accidents. However, given the distance driven, trucks and buses caused five times more deaths.
An Association of British Insurers spokeman told CNN that they’ve known women are safer drivers for years:
“Road casualty statistics have long shown a big difference between men and women when it comes to safety on the roads…Men are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured on roads than women. This applies not just in the UK, but in the majority of countries.”
Under European Union rules, insurers can’t charge male drivers more for vehicle insurance even though they are more likely to make a claim on their policy. In the US, insurance rates can be based on sex, and they can be higher for male drivers because their overall driving causes more accidents. The younger the driver, the greater the rate difference between sexes, according to Nerdwallet.
The findings were reported in an article by Rachel Aldred of the University of Westminster’s School of Architecture and Cities. It was published in 2020 in the Injury Prevention journal. She used data from accidents in England from 2005 to 2015.
US Data Supports Conclusion Men Pose a Greater Risk of Vehicle Accidents
Far more men than women are killed annually in motor vehicle accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, citing data from the federal Department of Transportation. They report the following:
- Men drive more miles and are more likely to be involved in risky driving practices, including not wearing seat belts, being impaired by alcohol, and speeding
- Accidents involving male drivers are often more severe than those with female drivers
- For almost every year from 1975 to 2022, the number of male crash fatalities was more than twice the number of female accident deaths
- Fatal accident rates are much higher for males than for females ages 16 to 29, but the gap shrinks with drivers 30 and older
- From 1982 to 2022, the share of fatally injured drivers with blood alcohol concentrations at or higher than the legally allowed limit was substantially higher for men, though the difference has recently shrunk
- During those years, speeding was cited for a higher percentage of fatal accidents involving men than women. The difference is highest among drivers 15 to 19 years old
The difference in fatal accident risk between males and females lessens when newer vehicles with improved restraint systems and crashworthiness are driven.
Why are Men More Dangerous Drivers?
Research published in January in PLOS ONE shows that more than 70% of vehicle accidents are caused by human behavior. Research consistently shows younger male drivers display more dangerous driving habits than young women.
Men tend to ignore traffic rules, engage in aggressive driving, and overlook safety practices like seatbelt use. Women generally use more caution, which may be associated with the fact that they mature psychologically faster than men.
Men drive more aggressively, according to a survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. According to the findings, men are more likely to engage in the following:
- Drive 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit
- Tailgate another vehicle
- Prevent another vehicle from merging into a lane
- Honk their horn or make a rude gesture towards another driver
- Drive through a red light
- Quickly weave in and out of lanes
Psychologists studying who engages in road rage and why find that young men are more likely to engage in dangerous and provocative driving aimed at others on the road. Crowded roads can boost drivers’ anger, which can be wrongly directed at others on the road instead of those truly causing it, reports the American Psychological Association. A highly stressful life and abusing alcohol and drugs also contribute to the problem.
Speak To a Louisville Car Accident Attorney Near You
Whether a male or female driver injures you, we can be your boots on the ground after a Kentucky car accident. Call Satterley & Kelley PLLC to speak with a skilled vehicle injury lawyer at our Louisville office toll-free at 855-385-9532 or complete our online contact form to get started.