Are Women More at Risk for Suffering a Car Accident Injury?

A recent report by Verity Now claims that women are much more likely than men to get injured in car accidents. This article refers to an earlier study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that contained percentages and the main reasons for the discrepancy.

According to IIHS research, women have a 73 percent greater chance of getting hurt in auto accidents than men, and they are 17 percent more likely to lose their lives. There was specific data for front-on accidents as well. In these kinds of crashes, women are:

• Two times as likely to experience severe injuries, such as a collapsed lung or a traumatic brain injury.
• More than 2.5 times as likely to have mild or moderate leg injuries.
• Three times as likely to have moderate injuries, like broken bones and concussions.

Crash Test Dummies, Vehicle Sizes, and Dangerous Driving

Standard crash test dummies in the U.S. are designed to resemble an average male body, which is 5 feet, 9 inches and 171 pounds. This size was determined back in the 1970s. Since the average American woman is 5 feet, 4 inches and more than 170 pounds, this makes them more susceptible to injury. This outdated representation has serious implications for women’s safety.

A second factor is the types of vehicles that women and men drive. Women are more likely to be driving smaller passenger vehicles, while male drivers often drive larger, heavier cars and trucks. Women in smaller vehicles are more at risk for getting seriously hurt in side-impact and front-to-rear accidents for this reason.

The IIHS also claims that men are also more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, like speeding and driving under the influence. This is why more males than females die in fatal car crashes. According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), in 2020, males accounted for 72 percent of all passenger vehicle driver accident deaths and 98 percent of large truck driver deaths.

A separate study by the Highway Loss Data Institute revealed that vehicles with forward-collision warnings, lane-departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking can reduce the number of injury claims by as much as 16 percent. These advanced safety features can aid with safer driving when they are used properly. Remember that they are not a substitute for defensive driving, but all drivers can use them for assistance.

With crash dummy technology still lacking, there is still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to building safer cars. In the meantime, all drivers should follow the rules of the road. If you spot an unsafe driver, keep as far away as possible, and you can report them if it is safe to do so.

Looking for a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Washington, D.C.? Contact the Law Offices of Duane O. King

Any type of car accident can be overwhelming. You do not have to deal with this on your own. If you are looking for a car accident lawyer in Washington D.C., contact the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Complete our online form or call us at 202-331-1963 for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.