Who Has More Car Accidents in Illinois, Male or Female?

Who has more car accidents, male or female? Research consistently shows that males are involved in more car accidents than females. This trend holds across Illinois and the United States, mainly due to differences in driving behaviors such as risk-taking, speeding, and alcohol use. For residents of Edwardsville, Illinois, understanding these patterns can help promote safer driving and determine liability in the event of an accident. At Walton Telken, we take pride in providing Edwardsville drivers with insight and guidance for navigating personal injury cases.

Male vs Female Car Accident Statistics in Illinois

Males are consistently involved in more car accidents than females in Illinois, both in terms of frequency and severity. Studies reveal that men are responsible for a higher proportion of crashes, particularly those involving serious injuries or fatalities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), males accounted for 71% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. This trend reflects differences in driving behaviors, such as risk-taking, speeding, and alcohol use.

Injuries

When it comes to car accidents resulting in injuries, men are more likely to sustain severe injuries than women. This is due to their tendency to engage in high-risk behaviors such as speeding, driving without seat belts, and using motorcycles, which have a higher injury rate. On the other hand, women tend to be involved in low-impact collisions, which generally result in minor injuries. Based on the research, men are engaged in injury-related crashes about 20% more frequently than women in Illinois. 

Fatal Crashes

Men are disproportionately involved in fatal crashes in Illinois, mirroring national trends. Studies show that men account for the majority of traffic-related deaths due to factors like speeding, reckless driving, and alcohol impairment. As outlined by the IIHS data, male drivers represented more than 70% of all fatal crashes in recent years. These crashes often involve excessive speed or failure to follow traffic laws, making the outcomes more catastrophic.

Age Differences

Age is another critical factor in gender-related car accident statistics. Younger male drivers, particularly those under 25, are at the highest risk of being involved in accidents. This group is more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as aggressive driving and street racing. Conversely, older female drivers—especially those over 50—have some of the lowest crash rates due to more cautious and experienced driving habits. In Illinois, young male drivers make up a significant percentage of high-speed and DUI-related crashes. At the same time, older women are statistically less likely to be involved in accidents.

Alcohol Involvement

Driving under the influence remains one of the leading causes of car accidents, and men are significantly more likely to drive while intoxicated than women. Nationally, men are responsible for nearly 80% of fatal alcohol-related crashes, and Illinois follows this same pattern. Drunk driving incidents among men are often tied to late-night driving and refusal to seek alternative transportation. Women, while not immune to impaired driving, tend to have significantly lower rates of DUI offenses.

Speeding

Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) mentions that male drivers account for 50% more speeding-related fatalities than female drivers. Speeding increases the severity of crashes and reduces reaction times, making accidents more likely to result in serious injuries or deaths. In Illinois, crash data shows that men are consistently overrepresented in speeding-related incidents, highlighting their greater risk on the road.

Male vs Female Car Accidents in Edwardsville, IL

In Edwardsville, male drivers are involved in more car accidents than females, which is consistent with statewide trends. As stated by the NHTSA, men are involved in 20% more crashes than women. High-risk behaviors like speeding and impaired driving contribute to this disparity. Local data from Madison County also highlights intersections like Main Street and Vandalia Street as frequent crash sites, with men being overrepresented in serious collisions. Women, by contrast, are involved in fewer accidents and are less likely to exhibit risky driving habits.

Who Gets More Traffic Tickets in Illinois? Men or Women

Men receive more traffic tickets in Illinois than women. Data shows that males are cited more often for violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and DUI offenses. These citations contribute to higher accident rates and have legal consequences, including increased insurance premiums and potential license suspensions.

In contrast, women tend to receive fewer citations and are more likely to comply with traffic laws. This difference in driving behavior may partially explain why women are involved in fewer accidents overall.

Why Do Men and Women Drive Differently?

Psychological, biological, and social factors influence the differences between male and female driving behaviors. Men are generally more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, which can lead to poor decision-making behind the wheel. This is often due to higher levels of testosterone, which studies link to impulsivity and aggression.

Women, on the other hand, are often described as more cautious and detail-oriented drivers. They are more likely to adhere to traffic laws, avoid distractions, and prioritize safety measures such as wearing seat belts. These tendencies contribute to their lower accident rates and reduced likelihood of causing fatal crashes.

Need Help After a Car Accident? Contact Walton Telken Bragee Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Edwardsville, Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At Walton Telken, our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us today at 844-307-7349 or visit our office at 241 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.

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