A recent study from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals women are more likely to die in car crashes and the male drivers who hit them are more likely to be driving larger vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs. The study also revealed 40% of men involved in crashes drive taller, heavier vehicles and the designs of those heavier vehicles place a priority on occupant protection above all else. The men in these crashes had a higher survival rate than women and 70% of those women were driving smaller vehicles at the time of the crash. Aggressive driving also played a role.
The researchers noted that female drivers were more likely to be struck by another driver from the side or front of the vehicle while male drivers were more likely to cause those crashes. These findings fall in line with a recent AAA survey which found men are more likely to self-report dangerous driving behaviors linked to car accidents such as tailgating, speeding and running red lights. IIHS researchers also found women were 70% more likely than men to suffer serious leg injuries in the event of a crash, possibly due to design defects that fail to consider the typical female body.
The study demonstrates that when survivability is considered vehicle choice makes a tremendous difference. Biomechanical experts note that we must do more than just making small cars stronger because that alone will not save drivers. Crash testing research on cars also fails other users of the road including pedestrians, bicyclists and anyone using a mobility assistance device like a wheelchair or scooter. In 2021 the only safety aspect of motor vehicles considered is occupant safety.
Larger vehicles have become increasingly popular on the highways. 72% of U.S. vehicle sales in 2019 consisted of pickup trucks, large vans and SUVs and experts predict that number will likely increase. The IIHS suggests that research needs to include the inherent dangers of large vehicles as these large vehicles are dangerous to drivers of smaller cars along with pedestrians, bicyclists and anyone using a mobility assistance device.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We would be honored to represent you!
