Who gets in more car accidents? You might have had this debate with other fellow drivers at one point. You could even be familiar with the long-running stereotype that women are bad drivers. While this conversation could sometimes run as a joke, recent studies have shown that gender directly affects the frequency of auto accidents.
Car accidents happen every day. Anything from a minor fender bender to a serious collision can have devastating effects on the victims, including injury or death. Fortunately, people injured in a crash by negligent drivers could be eligible for compensation.
Have you been involved in a car accident in Houston? Contact Husain Law to discuss your rights and legal options with an expert Houston Car Accident Attorney.
DRIVING STATISTICS AMONG MEN AND WOMEN
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that car accident casualties include more men than women. 28,545 men died in car accidents in 2000. In the same year, women’s fatalities were recorded at 13,396. The numbers in 2015 were 24,899 and 10,166, respectively. Generally, this 71-29 percent disparity can be attributed to several factors. These include:
- Mileage – Men drive more than women. While this gives them more experience on the road, it also exposes them to a higher risk of accidents. This is because they are more likely to be on the road. It explains why many accidents involve male drivers.
- Risky behavior – According to the study findings, women are more likely than men to wear seatbelts. They are also less likely to drive while drowsy or intoxicated. These driver behaviors are well-established causes of fatal car accidents.
- Speeding – Men younger than 34 are almost twice as likely to die in a speeding accident than women. When you drive at high speed, you reduce your reaction time. You also increase the force of impact should you get into an accident.
While these factors could account for the difference in accident numbers between the two genders, other possible factors that could explain these numbers include:
Motorcycles
Men are also more frequent motorcycle riders. Factoring women in as passengers, they make up 24 percent of all riders. Additionally, 91 percent of motorcycle fatalities are men. This can be because women are more likely to:
- Wear protective gear such as helmets and reflector jackets
- Attend motorcycle training courses
- Start riding later in life.
- Avoid risky behavior such as intoxicated riding, racing, and speeding.
Profession
Men are far more likely than women to have driving-related professions. According to statistics, men make up 94.9 percent of truck drivers and 87 percent of taxi drivers in the country. This ultimately exposes them more to auto accidents while on the job.
Talk to a Houston Car Accident Attorney Today
The answer to who gets in more car accidents is men. However, if you get injured in a crash, it ultimately won’t matter who was behind the wheel. You will need the help of an expert attorney to seek damages to cover your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
If you have been injured in a car caused by another driver’s negligence, contact Husain Law to speak to an experienced Houston Car Accident Attorney. We will inform you of your rights and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
