Women face greater dangers on the road than many realize. While men get into more accidents, women are more likely to suffer severe injuries or die when crashes happen. This surprising fact affects women drivers and passengers alike, and knowing why this happens can help us all make decisions to keep everyone safer on the roads.
Vehicle design favors men
Car makers have long used crash test dummies based on the average male body. This means cars often protect men better than women. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only started using female crash test dummies in 2003. Even now, these dummies represent just a small woman, not the range of female body types.
Key design issues include:
- Seat belts that don’t fit women’s bodies well
- Airbags that deploy with too much force for smaller frames
- Headrests that don’t align with women’s necks
These problems put women at higher risk of chest and head injuries in crashes.
Vehicle choices matter
Another factor contributing to women’s higher risk of injury or death in car accidents is the type of vehicle they drive. Women are more likely to drive smaller, lighter cars compared to men. While these cars may be easier to park and more fuel-efficient, they offer less crash protection.
Larger vehicles have more mass to absorb impact and longer hoods to create a “crumple zone” in front-end collisions. A recent study found that women are 73% more likely to be seriously hurt in frontal crashes compared to men. This higher risk is partly due to the types of vehicles women choose.
Seating position and safety
When driving, women usually sit closer to the steering wheel, which can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Sitting too close can also affect airbag deployment, which is designed to protect but can cause harm if not properly positioned. Adjusting the seat to maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel can help reduce these risks.
Further, women are more often front-seat passengers, putting them at a higher risk of catastrophic injuries in side-impact collisions.
Making informed decisions
Knowing these risks empowers women to make informed decisions, from choosing vehicles with high safety ratings to adjusting seating positions for optimal safety. By considering these factors, women can enhance their safety on the road. While the statistics may be discouraging, understanding the reasons behind them can help everyone make safer choices.