Women have long been deemed as being safer drivers in Massachusetts and around the country. However, recent studies have shown that if they do get into a car accident, they have a higher risk of suffering injuries.
What does the study say?
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that women face a significantly higher risk of injuries or death in car crashes compared to men. This holds true even though men are more likely to get into car accidents than women.
Why are women at a higher risk of injuries from accidents?
The study revealed that there is more than one reason why women are at a higher risk of injuries from car accidents. Women are generally smaller and weigh less than their male counterparts. This can result in injuries to different areas of their bodies when involved in crashes. However, injuries are most likely to affect the lower body such as the legs.
The second reason women are more susceptible to accident-related injuries is that they are more likely to be driving smaller vehicles that are more compact. Meanwhile, men historically choose larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks, which give more of a buffer zone in the event of a crash.
Additionally, if a woman is driving a small vehicle and gets into an accident with a larger vehicle, the effects can be devastating. A compact car stands no chance against a large, bulkier vehicle in a crash.
Vehicles of all sizes are supposed to be equipped with all the latest safety equipment, but there is a glaring discrepancy when testing takes place. Crash test dummies are in the size of the average man, which excludes women and children from the equation.
Women who are worried about their injury risk in a potential car crash can take measures to protect themselves.
Although crashes are not always predictable or preventable, if you are in the market for a new vehicle, you can choose something that has a higher safety rating. It’s possible to find an appropriate vehicle even if you prefer something on the smaller side.