San Diego County recently released statistics proving that women are safer drivers than men (at least in San Diego.)
Between 2000 and 2009, fatal car accidents killed three times as many men as women. In a fatal collision, the surviving driver was four times more likely to be another man.
Why Are Women Safer Drivers than Men?
In general, men commit more traffic violations than women, like speeding, failing to yield and running red lights. That is not to say that women are not involved in accidents, but they are less likely to engage in risky behavior.
While reckless driving is a significant contributor, the distinguishing factor between male and female car accidents is alcohol use. In San Diego, men are responsible for fatal drunk driving collisions about 80 percent of the time.
While the study provides important information about male and female driving habits, it also shows the impact of driving while intoxicated. Drunk drivers are less coordinated, have trouble maintaining speed and have diminished reaction time to changes on the road. All these elements lead to dangerous driving regardless of gender.
On July 7, a 24-year-old woman was driving intoxicated when she collided with a motorcyclist. The 26-year-old rider was headed west on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard at Santo Road when the woman pulled out in front of him.
Unable to stop in time, the rider and his Triumph motorcycle crashed into the woman’s Honda. The driver was unhurt, but the motorcyclist suffered an open leg fracture. Police arrested the woman on suspicion of drunken driving.
When it comes to driving impaired, gender does not matter. As soon as drunk drivers get behind the wheel, they endanger everyone on the road. Cyclists and motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable, because they have less protection than a car, so drunk driving collisions often result in serious injuries or death.
At Bonnici Law Group, we know that a drunk driver’s bad decision can change your whole life. Injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident can take a long time to heal, resulting in lost wages and significant medical bills.
If a drunk driver caused your accident, you should not have to shoulder that burden alone. Call us today for a free consultation. We know the law, and we can help you get justice.
[Did You Know: Men are three times more likely to be cited for reckless driving than women.]
Bonnici Law Group, APC – San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys