Wayne Texeira,
Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

Having a car accident is something that everyone dreads. It’s something that parents of teen drivers especially worry about when their child first gets behind the wheel.

Car accident statistics have long shown that younger and older drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents. However, a recent study published by Kansas State University has shown that gender is related to the type of severe or fatal crash in which a young driver may be involved. The study investigated gender differences and similarities of young drivers aged 16-24 involved in all motor vehicle crashes in Kansas between 2007 and 2011.

“Researchers found several differences in the types of crashes between young men and women:

  • Young females were 66 percent more likely to wear a seat belt than young males.
  • Young females were 28 percent more likely to drive on a restricted license than young males.
  • Young female drivers had more crashes at intersections and collisions with pedestrians.
  • Young males had more crashes after sunset than young females.
  • Young female drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes during weekdays, while young male drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes during the weekend.
  • Young male drivers had more off-road crashes than young females.”1

“There are often different risk factors for young male and young female drivers because their behavior and attitude are generally different,” according to the university’s Sunanda Dissanayake, professor of civil engineering.  “This may help explain why one gender is more likely to be involved in a certain type of crash. For example, young males may have more off-road crashes because this crash type is more frequently involved with speeding on rural roads — a driving habit exhibited more by young males than young females.”1

The hope is that these findings may help reduce the number and severity of such crashes by improving drivers’ education course materials. While accidents can’t always be avoided, awareness of situations where crashes are more likely to occur can allow drivers to be more cautious.
If you are a young driver or have a young driver in your family, take a moment to discuss the gender-related risk situations and how you might modify driving behavior to be safer on the road.

1Source:  Kansas State University

Read Other Blog Posts

Spring Clean Your Insurance: A Fresh Start for Your Policies

With Spring often comes spring cleaning. Have you ever thought about giving your insurance policies a little spring cleaning too? Just like your home, your insurance coverage needs attention and regular updates to ensure it’s still a good fit for your current needs.
What to Do When a Hurricane Threatens

Get Ready for Hurricane Season in New England: What You Need to Know

While New England is not typically directly in the hurricane "strike zone" like the Gulf Coast or the Southeast, that doesn’t mean we’re immune to the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms. With that in mind, it's important to have a plan as hurricane season approaches and be sure you understand your insurance coverage.
Notify Your Agent if Home in a Trust

Notify Your Insurer If Your Home Is In A Trust

It may not seem like a big deal, but if your home is held in a trust and your insurance policy isn’t updated to reflect that, it could cause serious problems if you ever need to file a claim. If you’ve put your home into a trust or are planning to, reach out to your insurance agent.
Driver

Defensive Driving Tips

Using proper defensive driving techniques will help keep both you and other drivers safe on the road. With this in mind, be sure to implement the following defensive driving guidance the next time you get behind the wheel.
Women talking

Understanding the Insurance Knowledge Gap Among Gen Z

Surveys reveals that many Gen Z adults feel overwhelmed by insurance and lack understanding of basic coverage terms, leading to gaps in their protection. However, by working with trusted insurance professionals, they can gain clarity and make informed decisions about essential coverage for their future.
Murphy’s Law Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy’s Law: Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy Insurance is now the official sponsor of Murphy’s Law—because if anything can go wrong, it probably already has. To mark the occasion, we’re rolling out a tongue-in-cheek lineup of “coverage” for life’s most ridiculous moments, from lost socks to seagull snack theft. While these faux policies are just for fun (for now), our real team is always here with real coverage for life’s unpredictable turns. Happy April Fools Day from Murphy Insurance—when Murphy’s Law strikes, call Murphy Insurance.
Auto Insurance in Hudson MA

Auto Insurance in Hudson, MA: What You Need to Know

If you live in Hudson, MA, or the surrounding areas, securing the right auto insurance is essential. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or a first-time driver, having the appropriate coverage ensures protection on the road and compliance with Massachusetts’ legal requirements.
Car close-up

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

When you’re involved in a vehicle collision and the other driver takes off without exchanging insurance information, this is commonly referred to as a hit-and-run. Review the following guidance to understand what information to collect and who to contact following a hit-and-run incident.
Pest Prevention Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pest Prevention | Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pests can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks, making proactive prevention essential since home insurance doesn’t cover pest-related damage. Key prevention tips include proper food storage, maintaining outdoor vegetation, regular home inspections, and keeping living spaces clean to minimize pest attraction. For persistent issues, professional pest control may be necessary, and Murphy Insurance is available to provide guidance on home protection and insurance coverage.

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.