Muhammad Ramadan | November 26, 2024 | Car Accident
Many people have strong opinions about whether men or women are better drivers. All too often, these views stem from personal experience or cultural stereotypes rather than hard data.
According to the latest Census Bureau data, there are approximately equal numbers of men and women among Chicago’s driving-age population. The largest concentration of potential drivers in the city is in the 25–34 age group, followed closely by those aged 35–44.
These age groups traditionally show different patterns in driving behavior and accident rates. But is there a significant difference in the rates of car accidents caused by women and men? Let’s see what the statistics actually say about gender and driving safety.
Car Accident Statistics In Illinois
Crash data from 2022 shows there were 298,347 total crashes on Illinois roads. While gender-specific data isn’t provided in the state report, the crash patterns tend to align with national trends.
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that men are consistently involved in more severe crashes. This is supported by state data showing higher fatality rates among male drivers, with males accounting for over 77% of drivers killed in crashes (613 male drivers compared to 177 female drivers) in 2022.
Why Men Have More Accidents
Some of the reasons men have higher accidents rates include:
Risk-Taking Behavior
The available data points to stark differences in driving behavior between men and women.
Of drivers killed in Illinois crashes:
- 33% of male drivers had blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, compared to 24% of female drivers
- 20% of male drivers were involved in speeding-related fatal crashes versus only 12% of female drivers
These differences are most pronounced among drivers aged 20–29, where male fatal crash rates are nearly twice that of females.
Time On the Road
Men typically drive more miles per year than women. Data from the FHA reveals that men drive an average of 16,550 miles per year nationwide. By comparison, women drive about 10,142 miles.
When someone spends more time on the road, their exposure to accident risk naturally increases. According to the IIHS data, male drivers had 2.1 fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled. This is a significant increase compared to a rate of 1.3 per 100 million miles traveled for female drivers.
Night Driving
Male drivers are also more likely to drive at night when accident risks increase. The National Safety Council reports that the risk of a fatal crash is considerably higher at night.
This is particularly evident in Illinois. In 2022, slightly more than 50% of all fatal crashes occurred between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 3:59 a.m., with males being disproportionately represented in these nighttime crashes.
Women’s Driving Patterns
Based on the numbers alone, women cause fewer accidents. However, research shows that female drivers face around a 47% higher risk of serious injury in comparable crashes, even when wearing seat belts. This is despite the fact that women generally exhibit more cautious driving behaviors.
Common patterns in women’s crashes include:
Types of Accidents
Women are more frequently involved in low-speed collisions, particularly at intersections. Side-impact crashes also occur at higher rates among female drivers, though these patterns may reflect different driving environments and times rather than driving ability.
Higher Injury Rates
Traditional vehicle safety features were primarily designed and tested using male body specifications, creating an inherent safety gap. Shorter women may have a different seating position and interaction with safety features like airbags and seat belts, potentially contributing to higher vehicle accident injury rates in comparable crashes.
Safe Driving On Chicago Roads
Male or female, a good driver is one who is conscious of their driving habits and environment. Maintaining focus on the road, ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles, and avoiding risky behavior while driving can help reduce Chicago’s car accident rates, regardless of demographic differences.
Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
134 N La Salle St #2160
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 929-2884