Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. While technology and regulations have made driving safer over the years, crashes still happen every day—ranging from minor fender benders to devastating collisions that change lives forever.
One surprising factor that continues to show up in traffic fatality data is gender. Not only are there stark differences in how men and women drive, but also in how often they’re involved in accidents—and how often those accidents turn deadly. You should understand the influence of gender on car accidents and fatalities to recognize the risks and stay safe.
If you suffered injuries or losses in a car crash someone else caused, contact a Virginia car accident lawyer near you for a free consultation on how to obtain compensation.
Who gets into more car accidents—men or women?
When comparing men vs women driving statistics, one trend is clear: men are involved in more fatal crashes. According to gender trends identified by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), men consistently account for about 70% of all motor vehicle deaths in the U.S.
So, who causes more car accidents—male or female? It depends on the type of crash. While men are more likely to be involved in high-speed or alcohol-related crashes, studies show women are more likely to be involved in low-speed or multi-vehicle collisions, often in urban settings.
When it comes to driving statistics by gender, men drive more miles, take more risks, and tend to engage in more aggressive behaviors. Women, on the other hand, tend to drive more cautiously, are more likely to wear seat belts, and are involved in fewer fatal crashes.
Are women more likely to die in car crashes?
Despite being involved in fewer fatal accidents, some data shows that women may be more vulnerable in certain types of crashes, particularly front-end collisions. A recent University of Virginia study found that women are 73% more likely to be injured in a car crash than men—even when wearing seat belts.
Why? It may be due to differences in body structure and the fact that crash-test dummies have historically been based on male anatomy. That means safety features in cars may not offer the same level of protection for women, even though they’re driving more safely overall.
Still, when it comes to the percentage of car crashes by gender, women are less likely to be involved in fatal collisions.
Driving behaviors by gender: risk-taking vs. caution
Differences in the biology of men and women influence overall trends of behavior – the biggest difference between men and woman being levels of testosterone vs. estrogen. Each hormone affects the brain differently when it comes to driving, and each offers its unique strengths and weaknesses.
Testosterone and risky driving
Biology plays a role in how men and women behave behind the wheel. Higher levels of testosterone in men are linked to greater spatial awareness and faster visual processing, which can be advantages when reacting to traffic conditions.
However, testosterone also influences aggression and risk-taking—traits that often translate into speeding, reckless driving, and a tendency to drive under the influence. These behaviors significantly increase the chances of causing or being involved in a serious crash.
Estrogen and cautious driving
On the other hand, estrogen has been associated with better concentration and memory, which helps drivers stay focused and plan routes. Women are also more likely to prioritize safety, making them more likely to obey traffic laws, wear seat belts, and avoid aggressive driving.
Cultural influences on driving habits
It’s not just biology. Culture shapes how men and women approach driving, too. From a young age, boys are more likely to be given toy cars, racing games, or encouraged to see vehicles as symbols of power and freedom. This carries over into adulthood, where sports cars and performance vehicles are marketed more heavily to men.
Video games like Grand Theft Auto, which glamorize reckless driving and high-speed chases, have a predominantly male audience. These cultural influences may reinforce risk-taking behaviors on the road.
Women, in contrast, are more likely to research safety ratings and reliability when buying a vehicle. CNW Marketing Research found that women often go into a car dealership with a clear plan and focus on safety features over speed or style. This often results in women driving safer vehicles, which contributes to lower injury and fatality rates.
Other Factors
Additional factors that influenced the higher number of male fatalities in motor vehicle accidents include greater time spent behind the wheel, less frequent use of safety gear, and the increased likelihood of speeding and/or driving while intoxicated.
Men drive an average of 30% more miles per year than women and are far more likely to have driving related professions. 94.9% of truck drivers are men, as well as 87% of taxi drivers and 62% of postal carriers. This gives men increased exposure to the dangers of the road.
Men are not only more frequent users of cars; they are also more frequent motorcycle riders. Women own a mere 14% of all motorcycles nationwide. When factoring in women as passengers, they account for 24% of all motorcycle riders. However, a disproportionate 91% of deaths in motorcycle accidents are men. Researchers attribute this to the fact that women are more likely to take motorcycle training courses, more likely to start riding later in life, and more likely to wear helmets and other safety gear.
Proper use of safety gear affects wreck fatalities for cars as well as motorcycles. Of the 35,065 deaths in 2015, 48% involved people killed while not wearing a seat belt. That same year, seat belts were credited with saving 13,941 lives. Women are 5% more likely than men to wear a seat belt, which helps protect them from more serious injuries or fatality in a crash.
Along with seat belt use, the biggest factors that cause car accidents to result in fatalities are speeding and alcohol. 30% of fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol content above .08, and 26% of fatalities involved a driver who was speeding. These statistics can overlap; a driver could be drunk, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt all at once.
Seeking compensation after a car accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re not just dealing with pain and stress—you may also be facing lost wages, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. Whether you’re recovering from a minor injury or a life-altering crash, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to compensation.
What damages can you recover?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident and your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment
- Lost wages: If your injuries kept you from working
- Loss of earning capacity: If you can no longer work in the same way you did before the crash
- Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional toll of the accident
- Property damage: Including repairs or replacement of your vehicle
In fatal crashes, family members may also be able to pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.
When gender may play a role in injury claims
Because women are more likely to suffer serious injuries in crashes, especially when seat belts or safety designs are less protective, some claims may require additional documentation. For example, injuries related to chest or pelvic trauma are more common in female crash victims and may involve complex or long-term treatment.
Understanding how driving statistics by gender affect injury patterns can help strengthen your case, particularly when arguing for full and fair compensation for long-term impact or disability.
Do you need a lawyer?
While insurance companies may offer quick settlements, they rarely cover the full cost of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help:
- Gather evidence and crash data
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters
- Work with medical experts to calculate future care costs
- Fight for maximum compensation in court, if necessary
Especially in cases involving serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or disputed fault, having a legal advocate can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact an experienced auto accident lawyer now
Recovering from a car accident is never easy. You may be dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and the financial burden of unexpected medical bills or lost wages. If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to face the consequences alone. Having skilled legal representation can make all the difference in your ability to recover full and fair compensation.
At Allen & Allen, we understand what you’re going through—and we’re here to help. For more than 100 years, our firm has stood up for individuals and families harmed by careless drivers. We have a long track record of success handling complex personal injury claims, from rear-end collisions to catastrophic accidents. Our team of compassionate, experienced attorneys knows how to build strong cases, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the right law firm matters. When you work with Allen & Allen, you get more than legal experience—you get a dedicated advocate who listens, cares, and works tirelessly on your behalf. We handle the legal side of your recovery so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Allen & Allen today for a free consultation. There’s no cost to speak with a lawyer, and no fee unless we win your case. Let us help you seek justice and get the financial support you need after a serious car accident.
