New Cars Are Safer, but Women Still Most Likely to Suffer Injury or Death in a Car Crash
Women are at a much higher risk of fatality and injuries in car crashes than men. Consider these statistics:
- A front-seated female (driver or passenger), who is wearing her seat belt is 17% more likely than a male to be killed in a car crash.
- Belted female auto occupants have 73% greater odds of being seriously injured in frontal car crashes compared to belted males
A new report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates this gap is narrowing as automobiles become safer for women drivers and front-seat passengers. The report shows fatality risk for female versus male front row occupants in 2010- 2020 model vehicles is 6.3%, while it is almost three times that at 18.3% in older model vehicles (1960 - 2009). For vehicles within model years 2015-2020, the disparity closed even further, coming in at 2.9%, the report said.
The advance is largely attributed to both advances in technology, as well as to the inclusion of female crash test dummies in both frontal and side barrier crash worthiness testing in recent years. Newer generations of cars are equipped with dual airbags, which significantly reduce the fatality risk for women in car crashes, according to the NHTSA report. Newer cars also have more advanced seat belts, which further reduces the risk to women, the report said. It is also believed the inclusion of crash test dummies representing the average female body has lead automakers to design vehicles targeted to protect the typically smaller female stature.
The team at Palmetto State Injury Lawyers do everything within our power to support our clients as they recover from their injuries. If you’ve been hurt in an automobile accident don’t hesitate to call or text us anytime day or night at (843) 823-6237 to receive a free thorough assessment of your case.