There are a lot of age-old debates about the differences between men and women, and people tend to have some particularly strong opinions on which gender (as a whole) makes better drivers.
Recent statistics that look at both traffic accidents and driving habits paint an interesting picture – and one that may not be so neatly divided.
Men do tend to take more chances (but not by much)
Statistically speaking, there are about as many women drivers as there are men – but men are involved in more fatal car wrecks than women. That can be attributed to several different things, including the fact that men tend to dominate the commercial driving industry and generally do more driving than women. The more miles you’re on the road, the more danger you face.
However, men also tend to engage in risky behavior behind the wheel more often than women. For example, when surveyed:
- ● 31.5% of men admit to aggressive driving and lane switching, while only 21.4% of women admit to such behavior.
- ● 32.2% of men confess to running red lights, while only 30% of women say the same.
- ● 52% of men admit that they will drive over the posted speed limit by 15 mph or more, while only 44.6% of women will admit to the same.
- ● Men are three times as likely to be involved in a fatal drunk driving accident than women, indicating that more men drink and drive.
So, does this mean the debate over who makes better drivers is settled? Not at all. It’s prudent to note that these survey responses were voluntary, and it’s possible that men may simply have fewer reservations about admitting to things like aggressive driving and speeding because it’s considered less socially acceptable out of women.
In reality, the statistics mean nothing when it comes to assessing an individuals actual driving skills, regardless of gender. And, accidents can happen to anybody, no matter how good of a driver you may personally be. If you’ve been in a wreck, it’s wise to find out more about your right to fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
