It’s a long-standing stereotype that women are more dangerous drivers than men. However, not only is this misconception on its way out, but it is also statistically false. In fact, if we delve into official motoring conviction data and road casualty figures, it becomes clear that our roads would be much safer if only women were allowed to drive. Let’s take a deep dive into the numbers and analyze the adjustments that would occur if women ruled the roads.
While the UK has a strong road safety reputation compared to other European countries, there is an uncomfortable truth behind this record, according to the latest analysis by Carwow, an online vehicle sales platform. In 2018, the UK recorded the lowest number of fatalities per million inhabitants among EU countries, with 28 deaths compared to the continental average of 49 fatalities per million. However, if only women drove, our road safety credentials would likely improve even further.
Here’s why:
1. Women are responsible for only 18% of all motoring offences.
According to the Ministry of Justice, 658,711 people in Britain were convicted of motoring offences last year, with only 18% being women. Men received 539,142 motoring offences, compared to just 119,569 for female drivers. The number of motoring offences for which people are convicted would theoretically reduce by 81.8% if only women drove. However, we must consider the assumption that women would not compensate for the absence of men on the road. To account for this, Carwow made a calculation based on female drivers doubling their annual mileage. Even after this adjustment, there would still be a 62.4% decrease in the total number of motoring convictions recorded last year.
2. Dangerous driving convictions would fall by 91% if only women drove.
Men are far more likely to be convicted of drink, drug, and dangerous driving offenses. For example, 80% of drink-driving convictions and 91.2% of dangerous driving convictions were attributed to male motorists last year. Adjusting for the absence of men on the road, there would be a massive 91% reduction in dangerous driving convictions. Similarly, there would be a 59% reduction in drink-driving and an 80.9% reduction in drug-driving if women took over all driving duties.
3. Women are less likely to speed or use mobile phones at the wheel.
Speeding and using mobile phones while driving are significant causes of collisions and casualties. Men dominate these offenses, with men responsible for 76.3% of speeding cases and 86.2% of convictions related to using a handheld device while driving. Adjusting for the absence of men, there would be a 51% reduction in speeding cases and a 71.4% reduction in mobile phone offenses.
4. Men are more likely to suffer fatalities on the road.
Men not only commit more motoring offenses but are more likely to suffer tragedy behind the wheel. In 2022, 530 men lost their lives in car accidents compared to 251 women. If only women drove, there would be a projected 67.9% reduction in car-occupant deaths.
These statistics highlight a striking difference between men and women when it comes to road-safety risks. It is important to consider why these disparities exist and what can be done to address the greater risks presented by male drivers. Younger male drivers, in particular, contribute to the higher motoring conviction and casualty rates. Carwow’s analysis suggests that men need to reflect on their performance on the road and strive to improve.
Furthermore, these gender differences impact motor insurance premiums. Insurance firms calculate risk when determining premium prices, resulting in higher costs for men. Data from Go.Compare shows that during the first quarter of 2023, the average car insurance policy purchased by men was £678 compared to £599 for women, a 13.2% difference. Men were also more likely to have penalty points on their driving licenses, further contributing to higher insurance costs.
In conclusion, the idea that women are more hazardous drivers than men is both a dying stereotype and statistically inaccurate. By analyzing motoring conviction data and road casualty figures, we see that our roads would be safer if women were the sole drivers. However, it is important to recognize that these numbers depend on various factors and assumptions. Nonetheless, the disparities between men and women in relation to road safety cannot be ignored.
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