Car crashes are an unfortunate reality that can cause serious injuries and even death. While anyone can be affected by an Illinois vehicle collision, statistics show that women tend to be more vulnerable to certain types of injuries than men. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), women are more likely than men to sustain serious injuries in a car crash, especially in frontal collisions.
Smaller stature
There are several reasons why women are more likely to be injured in car crashes. One reason is that women are generally smaller and lighter than men, which means that they may not be as well protected by safety features such as seat belts and airbags. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that women are up to 28% more likely to be killed in a car crash than men, even when they are wearing their seat belts.
Women are more likely than men to suffer certain types of injuries in car crashes. For example, women are more likely to suffer from whiplash injuries, which occur when the head is jolted forward and then backward quickly and violently.
Car design
Another factor that contributes to women’s increased vulnerability in car crashes is the design of cars themselves. Many safety features are designed with men’s bodies in mind. This means that women may not be as well protected by these features, which can result in injuries more frequently than male drivers.
Psychological impact
In addition to physical injuries, car crashes can have a significant psychological impact on women. Women who have been in car crashes may experience anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and can affect a woman’s quality of life for years after an incident.
Prevention
Car manufacturers should work to design safety features that are more inclusive and better suited to women’s bodies. This could include things like adjustable seat belts and airbags that are positioned to better protect smaller individuals. Government regulators can oversee the design and testing process to ensure that vehicles meet standards that will keep women safe.
Furthermore, women can take steps to protect themselves when they are on the road. This includes wearing a seat belt at all times, even if just driving a short distance. Women should also avoid distracted driving, which can increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.