Women are at higher risk of injury than men during vehicle crashes, according to new research.
The study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed women have a statistically significant higher risk of injury than men in 26% of the 150 crash injury models, and women have a higher risk more frequently for moderate injuries.
The study comes after the US Department of Transportation launched the first-of-its-kind female crash test dummy, THOR-05F.
“This study reaffirms the importance of the THOR and will help the Department further build on the progress its already made in lowering traffic fatalities,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison.
NHTSA studied six crash types for this report: frontal, near-side, far-side and rear crashes; one combining all four of those crash types; and one for rollover crashes.
Unlike other recent studies, NHTSA’s study covered a broader range of crash types, occupant restraint conditions, and seating positions.
Findings related to moderate and higher injuries include:
- 46% higher injury risk in frontal crashes.
- 55% higher injury risk in rollover crashes.
- 62% higher risk for lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes (including knee, thigh, hip, leg, foot and ankle).
- 128% higher risk of injuries to the foot and ankle in frontal crashes.
This new injury report’s results suggest the following for both men and women:
- Injury risk increases with a person’s age. When compared to the youngest age group (13 to 24 year olds), each subsequent age group had higher moderate-to-severe and fatal injury risk in all but rollover crashes.
- Having a body mass index of 30 or higher was frequently associated with significantly higher injury risk, especially in frontal crashes.
- Occupant height was not significantly associated with injury risk in 86% of injuries studied.
