Do Men or Women Cause More Car Accidents?

August 30, 2023

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), men cause about 6.1 million car accidents annually in the United States, whereas women cause 4.4 million. Men represent 62 percent of those on the road, yet cause 58 percent of the accidents, meaning that women slightly have an edge over men with accidents per capita.

However, that does not mean women are worse drivers or vice versa. Consider the following statistics:

• According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), accidents with male drivers are more severe than with female drivers.
• Men are more likely to drive aggressively, speedily, without a seat belt, or while intoxicated.
• Women are more likely to be killed or injured in severe crashes.
• Women account for less than 30 percent of all traffic violations.
• Men appear to cause more severe and fatal accidents, but women drivers cause mostly minor, non-injury accidents.

Researchers offer several explanations for these statistics and why there may be differences between the genders. Since men drive more than women, it makes sense that men are likelier to get into an accident. However, another explanation could be that men show more of a tendency to drive recklessly or engage in risky behaviors, like speeding, driving under the influence, and so forth.

Since women drive fewer miles than men, it is fair to wonder why they experience more accidents per capita. A likely explanation is that women drive fewer miles and have less experience behind the wheel, making them more susceptible to hazards.

Women are also generally shorter than men, so they may have difficulty seeing other cars or surrounding dangers. Furthermore, regardless of age, women are likelier to use their phones while driving than men, according to a study by the Insurance Journal.

Perhaps to explain why women tend to be severely hurt or killed in serious accidents, while men usually are the ones to cause them, you can look at the types of vehicles both genders commonly drive. Women drive smaller, more economical cars, while men drive larger trucks and SUVs. The IIHS also found that when cars of the same size are involved in the same accident, the survival rate for both genders is almost even.

Regardless of gender, all drivers who share the road have a duty of care to each other. Failing to practice safe driving habits will likely lead to an accident, regardless of gender.

Our Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help All Drivers Injured by Negligence

Car accidents are complicated and stressful whether you are a man or woman. You may be entitled to compensation if you believe another driver’s negligence caused your injury. Our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.