Who Causes More Car Accidents – Men Or Women?

Ever wonder who causes more car accidents: men or women? The data points clearly to men, especially in crashes that lead to severe injury or death. At the same time, women are more likely to suffer harm when accidents happen. Gender can affect driving habits, accident risk, and injury severity in measurable ways.

What National Data Shows About Gender and Driving Risks

Several studies have reviewed crash data over the years, and the trends remain consistent. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that men are responsible for about 70 to 75 percent of fatal crashes.

There are several reasons for this trend:

• Men tend to drive more miles each year, thereby exposing them to a higher potential for crashes.
• Men are more likely to speed, drive under the influence, or skip wearing seat belts.
• High-risk driving behaviors are more prevalent among male drivers, particularly those who are younger in age.

In contrast, women are more often involved in low-speed, non-fatal accidents. These typically include rear-end collisions, parking lot crashes, or fender benders. Even in these less serious collisions, women still face a higher risk of injury. Studies show that female drivers are more vulnerable to harm in crashes, partly because vehicle safety features have been historically designed with male crash test dummies in mind.

Overall, men are more likely to cause a crash while women are more likely to be hurt. If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, contact our office today to discuss your next steps. The team at Steinberg Law Firm can help.

How South Carolina Crash Data Compares

While national statistics give a broad view, South Carolina’s crash reports help explain how these patterns play out locally. In 2024, South Carolina recorded an estimated 141,806 total motor vehicle collisions. This number reflects a slight decrease from the previous year, but car accidents continue to cause thousands of injuries and over 1,000 deaths each year.

Looking more closely at gender roles, the state’s 2022 crash data shows that:

• Men were involved in 67.2% of fatal collisions (1,021 out of 1,519 known-gender drivers);
• Women accounted for 28.3% of fatal crashes (430 out of 1,519); and
• Out of approximately 61,874 total crash-involved drivers, 32,285 were men and 27,126 were women, with 2,463 listed as unknown.

These figures make it clear that men are more frequently behind the wheel. In 2023:

• Drivers aged 20 to 24, 274 men suffered serious injuries compared to 164 women.
• Drivers aged 25 to 29, 323 men and 169 women, suffered from injuries.
• Drivers aged 30 to 34, 295 men were seriously injured compared to 126 women.

These consistent patterns reinforce the national conclusion: men are more likely to be involved in a high-impact, life-altering car crash compared to women.

Why Men Tend to Cause More Severe Accidents

While men do drive more often, they are also more likely to take dangerous risks while on the road. These patterns have been documented across numerous studies and crash investigations.

Some key contributors to why men tend to be at fault in serious accidents include the following:

• Driving longer distances, often for work, increases exposure.
• Speeding and aggressive behavior are more common among male drivers.
• Driving under the influence continues to be a factor, especially among young men.
• Men dominate commercial and long-haul driving, where fatigue and crash severity are often higher.

Each of these elements raises the chances of a high-speed or deadly crash. When paired with a failure to wear a seat belt or obey traffic laws, the outcomes can often be severe and life-altering.

Why Women Face Higher Injury Risks in Car Crashes

Even though women are less likely to cause major accidents, they often suffer more in certain types of collisions. Their injury risk is higher in part because most vehicle safety testing still relies on crash test dummies modeled after the average male body.

Several other factors add to the risk for female drivers:

• Women more frequently drive in cities, where low-speed crashes are common.
• Rear-end and side-impact collisions are more likely to injure female occupants.
• Pedal and seat positioning can affect how a woman’s body responds to crash forces.

While a crash may not be fatal, the injuries women suffer can be severe. Neck, back, and head injuries often result in high medical bills and long-term consequences.

How Gender Affects Car Accident Claims in South Carolina

Understanding these trends can help your attorney effectively frame the claim and advocate for fair compensation. Here are a few ways gender may influence a personal injury claim:

• Crashes caused by men are often more severe, resulting in larger damage claims.
• Women involved in crashes may have more extensive medical evidence to support pain and suffering claims.
• Punitive damages may be available in cases involving reckless or intoxicated male drivers.

The most important factors, however, are the facts of your case. Your legal team may use gender data as supporting evidence in court or during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies may use statistics to defend against your claim. If you are hurt, it is important to work with an attorney who can present your case accurately and advocate for your rights.

Talk with a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, speeding driver, DUI, or other negligent driver, you have legal rights. The Steinberg Law Firm assists individuals throughout South Carolina in recovering fair compensation following accidents. Every case matters, and we are here to help you protect your future.

To speak with a compassionate member of our team, contact the Steinberg Law Firm today to schedule a complimentary consultation.