Wayne Texeira,
Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

Having a car accident is something that everyone dreads. It’s something that parents of teen drivers especially worry about when their child first gets behind the wheel.

Car accident statistics have long shown that younger and older drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents. However, a recent study published by Kansas State University has shown that gender is related to the type of severe or fatal crash in which a young driver may be involved. The study investigated gender differences and similarities of young drivers aged 16-24 involved in all motor vehicle crashes in Kansas between 2007 and 2011.

“Researchers found several differences in the types of crashes between young men and women:

  • Young females were 66 percent more likely to wear a seat belt than young males.
  • Young females were 28 percent more likely to drive on a restricted license than young males.
  • Young female drivers had more crashes at intersections and collisions with pedestrians.
  • Young males had more crashes after sunset than young females.
  • Young female drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes during weekdays, while young male drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes during the weekend.
  • Young male drivers had more off-road crashes than young females.”1

“There are often different risk factors for young male and young female drivers because their behavior and attitude are generally different,” according to the university’s Sunanda Dissanayake, professor of civil engineering.  “This may help explain why one gender is more likely to be involved in a certain type of crash. For example, young males may have more off-road crashes because this crash type is more frequently involved with speeding on rural roads — a driving habit exhibited more by young males than young females.”1

The hope is that these findings may help reduce the number and severity of such crashes by improving drivers’ education course materials. While accidents can’t always be avoided, awareness of situations where crashes are more likely to occur can allow drivers to be more cautious.
If you are a young driver or have a young driver in your family, take a moment to discuss the gender-related risk situations and how you might modify driving behavior to be safer on the road.

1Source:  Kansas State University

Read Other Blog Posts

Family decorating tree

Decorate Safely During the Holidays

While holiday decorations can be fun and beautiful, they can also present fire hazards. To keep your home and family safe throughout this holiday season, consider the following decorating tips.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share a delicious meal, and reflect on all we’re grateful for.  To help you celebrate safely and ensure that your holiday is filled with joy, not unexpected mishaps. here are some tips to keep in mind.
Car tire

Vehicle Breakdown Safety Basics

No one ever plans to experience a vehicle breakdown. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared in order to handle such a situation safely. Implement the following guidance to ensure you remain safe and injury-free in the event that you get stuck on the road.
Calculator

How Insurers Calculate Premiums

Depending on the type of policy, an insurance premium must be paid monthly, twice a year or annually. Each policy type will have also have a different premium amount based on the coverage and policyholder. It’s essential to understand how premiums are calculated so you can secure the best deal without sacrificing coverage.
Drowsy

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Every year, the National Sleep Foundation organizes Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued.
Smoke Detector

Daylight Saving Time Change: A Perfect Reminder to Check Your Smoke and CO Detectors

Daylight savings time is a perfect opportunity to keep your home safe by checking your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Time change days are memorable markers, making it easy to establish this habit without any extra reminders.
Flooding

Why Flood Insurance is Essential: Lessons from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

The devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have shown that flood risk isn’t limited to coastal areas. These storms have highlighted a crucial gap that individuals and businesses need to be aware of: flood damage is generally not included in typical home, condo, renters, or commercial property insurance, making a separate flood insurance policy essential for true protection.
Deer

Defensive Driving to Avoid Deer Collisions

With deer mating season in full swing from October through December, drivers face an increased risk of collisions. As deer are more active, especially around dawn and dusk, habitat loss has pushed them closer to roadways. Here’s how defensive driving can help you avoid an accident.
Driving Car

Factors Affecting Your Car Insurance Rate

The cost of auto insurance is influenced by a wide range of factors. Together, these variables shape the overall cost of auto insurance. With this in mind, it can be helpful to better understand how the following elements may impact your rates:

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.