According to data from iihs.org, there were 40,901 deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2023, with men accounting for about twice as many traffic fatalities as women. This is partly because men typically drive more miles than women, but also because they are more likely to engage in male driving risky behavior such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and not wearing their seat belts. In addition, due to these behaviors, crashes involving male drivers often are more severe than those involving female drivers. As a result of these statistics, insurance companies charge higher premiums for male drivers, especially young male drivers who are not married.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and a male driver was at fault, you may be wondering what behaviors contributed to the crash. While every case is unique, certain high-risk driving behaviors are statistically more common among men and are often contributing factors in serious accidents. Understanding these patterns can help support your claim and ensure accountability.
Male Driving Risky Behavior that Can Lead to Car Accidents
While women are certainly not immune from dangerous driving behaviors, men (especially young men between the ages of 16-29) are more likely to partake in the following types of risky driving behaviors that can lead to motor vehicle accidents:
- Speeding. Speeding is a leading cause of fatal crashes. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries. Male drivers, especially younger ones, are more likely to exceed speed limits.
- Aggressive driving. Male drivers are the most common perpetrators of aggressive driving behaviors including tailgating, weaving through traffic, failing to yield, and sudden lane changes.
- Driving under the influence. Impaired driving is a major factor in many injury claims and men account for a higher percentage of DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes.
- Not wearing a seatbelt. Male drivers are statistically less likely to wear seatbelts, which can contribute to more severe injuries in a crash for themselves and their passengers.
- Reckless or risk-taking behavior. On average, men are much more likely to engage in reckless and risk-taking behaviors behind the wheel, such as racing or disregarding traffic laws. These choices show a blatant disregard for others’ safety and can play a key role in determining negligence in an accident claim.
- Overconfidence. Some male drivers overestimate their driving abilities and underestimate road hazards, which can lead to poor decisions and avoidable accidents.
Why This Matters for Your Accident Case
When you file a personal injury claim, your car accident attorney will work to build a strong case for you centered on the at-fault driver’s negligent behavior. If your accident involved a male driver engaging in any of the risky behaviors above, a car accident attorney can gather evidence—such as police reports, witness statements, or dashcam footage—to build a strong case on your behalf.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
