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Who Is Most Likely to Be Injured or Killed in a Crash?

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Posted on November 18, 2022 in

Every year, thousands of people suffer significant injuries and are killed in car accidents in Arizona. While a car accident can injure anyone at any time, statistics show a disparity in how frequently certain people are injured or killed in collisions compared to others. Understanding these statistics could help you take steps to protect yourself from a higher-than-average car accident risk. If you are in a collision, a Scottsdale car accident attorney can help you assess your legal options.

Who’s More at Risk: Men or Women?

National car accident statistics published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety find that more men than women die each year in motor vehicle accidents. These crash facts find that men typically drive more miles than women and are more likely to drive recklessly and negligently, resulting in more severe accidents involving male drivers. Arizona’s crash facts support this theory, with 362 females killed compared to 806 males in 2021. 

In accidents of equal severity, however, studies find that women are more likely than men to be killed or injured. Recent studies using technologically advanced crash test dummies found that women were more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries in car accidents than men. These studies concluded that women are nearly 30 percent more likely to die in car crashes and up to 70 percent more likely to be injured. This is due to the fact that women are typically shorter than men and sit closer to the steering wheel, steering column and dash panel. 

In a car accident, a shorter female could collide with the interior components of a vehicle with more force than a taller male, resulting in more serious traumatic injuries. This includes injuries to the lower legs since they sit closer to the dash, as well as injuries to the chest and face due to close contact with the steering wheel. A taller male, on the other hand, would theoretically not strike these components with as much force or velocity.

Driver or Passenger?

Drivers are statistically more likely to be injured than their passengers. According to Arizona crash data, 18,644 drivers were injured in car accidents in 2021 compared to just 5,972 passengers. National crash data estimates that drivers are nearly 2.4 times more likely to be injured in car accidents than passengers. 

Crash tests show that the middle back seat is the safest place in a vehicle, as long as the individual is wearing a seat belt. In this position, a passenger is least likely to suffer traumatic injuries from impact with an object inside the vehicle, such as the back of a seat or the steering column.

Is Age a Factor?

Yes. State crash data shows that the age demographic with the highest number of driver injuries and deaths is 25 to 34. This group represented 22.01 percent of total injury accidents in Arizona. This aligns with national crash data that shows that 25 to 29 is the age demographic with the largest number of licensed drivers. 

However, on a national level, younger drivers are ranked highest in terms of injury risk (20-24 year-olds). In Arizona, 20-24 year-olds accounted for 13.53 percent of people injured in collisions. Younger drivers may be more likely to be injured and killed in car accidents due to dangerous habits, such as speeding, driving under the influence, and texting while driving.

Reduce Your Risk With Safe Driving Practices

Whether you are in a high-risk or low-risk category, there are actions that you can take to reduce your chances of a car crash in Arizona:

  • Obey all traffic laws and speed limits. 
  • Reduce your speed in dangerous conditions, such as rain or heavy traffic. 
  • Keep a proper following distance and change lanes or pass other drivers carefully. 
  • Always pay attention to the road. 
  • Do not get distracted by your cell phone, passengers, billboards, or food and drink. 
  • Never drive after drinking, even if you do not feel intoxicated.

If you get involved in a car accident despite your best efforts not to, contact a car accident attorney at Stone Rose Law to request a free case consultation. You may be entitled to financial compensation.