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Traffic accident involvement rates by driver age and gender
D L Massie1, K L Campbell, A F Williams
1University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor 48109-2150, USA.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Young and elderly drivers face higher crash risks. Men are more prone to fatal crashes, while women experience more non-fatal and overall crashes, according to 1990 data.
Area of Science:
- Traffic safety research
- Transportation engineering
- Epidemiology of injuries
Background:
- Understanding driver demographics and crash risk is crucial for targeted safety interventions.
- Previous studies have indicated age and gender as significant factors in traffic accidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze crash involvement rates across different driver age groups and genders using comprehensive 1990 data.
- To identify specific risks associated with age (young and elderly) and gender in passenger-vehicle travel.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1990 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey for travel exposure.
- Integrated crash data from the 1990 Fatal Accident Reporting System and General Estimates System.
- Calculated crash involvement rates per vehicle-mile of travel for various demographic groups.
Main Results:
- Drivers aged 16-19 and 75+ exhibited elevated crash involvement rates.
- The oldest age group (75+) had the highest fatal crash involvement rate.
- Youngest drivers (16-19) showed the highest rate for all police-reported crashes.
- Men had a higher risk of fatal crashes; women had higher rates for injury and all police-reported crashes.
Conclusions:
- Driver age and gender are critical determinants of crash risk and severity.
- Specific age groups (very young and elderly) require focused traffic safety strategies.
- Gender-based differences in crash types and outcomes necessitate tailored prevention and intervention approaches.