Sex differences in single vehicle fatal crashes: a research note

Abstract

Single vehicle traffic fatality data spanning the years 1982–1991 appear to support the convergence hypothesis: that women are becoming more like men in their behaviors. However, diminishing differences between male and female fatalities do not support a risk-taking model of convergence. Male drivers killed in single vehicle crashes have reduced risk-taking as measured by driving at night, driving on weekends, prior traffic convictions and crashes, and drunken driving. Female single vehicle fatalities have not risen because of increased risk-taking; rather, a greater proportion of women are now licensed to drive and they are driving more miles per year, which supports an exposure model over a risk-taking one.