Women tend to have more severe bodily injuries in auto accidents than men and it does appear to be related to the types of automobiles women most commonly drive. A recent study reviewed nearly 20 years of motor vehicle accident data. It found that women’s higher severity of injury from auto accidents may actually be linked to their choice of vehicles.
The collision data showed some clear differences in vehicle choices between women and men. Women were driving cars in about 70% of collisions, but men were driving cars in only about 60% their collisions. Similarly, men were driving trucks about 20% of the time and women only about 5%. Combined, these two data points show women tend to drive smaller vehicles than men.
Basic physics tells us the bigger the vehicle the safer that vehicle’s occupants tend to be in an accident. Any collision between two objects involves an exchange of force. When one object is substantially smaller than the other object in a collision then the smaller object absorbs more of the force. This means everything inside a small car, including drivers and passengers, moves a lot more than the occupants inside the large truck or SUV. More movement means a higher probability and severity of injury.
The same transfer of forces that applies in auto accidents also applies in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. This is why we see some of the most severe bodily injuries and highest risk of a wrongful death in accidents involving a car, truck or SUV striking a bicyclist or pedestrian. Large differences in weight between the two objects lead to a more drastic transfer of forces. Even though large vehicles may be safer for the occupants of that vehicle, they can be more dangerous for everyone else sharing the road.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an automobile accident, you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance companies alone. Contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at Cooney Law Offices today. We can help!