Are women bad drivers? (The Truth Behind the Stereotype)

Women Drivers Are Bad — Fact or Fiction? Overview

A common trope in comedy and media as a whole has been that women drivers are bad. This “fact” was bandied about in stand-up comedy routines and used in movies and sitcoms for decades, but are women bad drivers? Are men or women better drivers?

On the surface, it appears that women drivers are actually better than men. This is a complicated issue, however, that is impacted by more than just gender. Things like age and marital status also impact whether or not someone is likely to be considered an unsafe driver. All of these factors, combined with your personal driving history, have a direct impact on the cost of your auto insurance rates. That’s why comparing auto insurance quotes is critical.

Whether you are male or female, if you’re ready to find the most affordable rates for auto insurance you can enter your ZIP code in our FREE tool above.

Are Women Bad Drivers: Are Men or Women Better Drivers

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Do Men get in More Accidents Than Women

According to a New York City traffic study, 80 percent of all auto accidents that kill or seriously injure pedestrians involve male drivers. According to a study by Quality Planning, an insurance statistics company, female drivers were also 27 percent less likely to be found at fault when involved in an accident.

These statistics tend to hold true no matter where you look. According to the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, men were involved in 6.1 million accidents (40,000 were fatal) in 2007. By comparison, women were only involved in 4.4 million (14,000 were fatal). This is just one statistic to take into account when asking the question “are men or women better drivers?”

Additionally, do men get in more accidents than women? The question are women statistically worse drivers than men is often debated, but various studies indicate that men are involved in more accidents.

When considering who are worse drivers men or women, statistics reveal that men exhibit riskier driving behaviors, such as speeding and driving under the influence, leading to higher accident rates. As a result, insurance companies often charge higher premiums for men compared to women.

The perception that women are poor drivers is not supported by data. The query are girls worse drivers is generally answered negatively by statistical evidence. In fact, women are often considered safer drivers, which is why insurance companies offer cheap car insurance for girls.

When asked statistically what gender is a better driver, the numbers favor women, showing they are less likely to be involved in serious accidents. Thus, despite common stereotypes, women tend to be safer drivers than men.

Do Men get More Traffic Violations Than Women Drivers

In pretty much every category of traffic violations, men seem to dominate women (and that isn’t a good thing). Men are more likely than women to get cited for reckless driving (3.41 to 1 ratio), driving under the influence (3.09 to 1 ratio), seat belt violations (3.08 to 1 ratio), speeding (1.75 to 1 ratio), failure to yield (1.54 to 1 ratio), and stop signal violations (1.53 to 1 ratio).

Despite the stereotype that women are really bad drivers, these statistics show that men are more prone to dangerous driving behaviors.

The common belief that girls are bad drivers while boys are superb drivers is not supported by the data on traffic violations. Men consistently receive more citations across various categories, challenging the notion of male superiority in driving. While some argue why women are bad at driving, the reality is that women tend to be safer and more law-abiding drivers compared to men.

Additionally, stereotypes such as the Tesla driver stereotype often distract from the real issue: men are statistically more likely to engage in risky driving, leading to more violations and accidents.

Do Men get More DUIs Than Women Drivers

A DUI violation is one of those few “no-no’s” for your driving record. No matter what, you should avoid getting a DUI at all costs. It’s like a permanent stain on your transcript that takes years to wash away.

Nevertheless, men still outnumber women by a long shot when it comes to DUIs. In keeping tune with the 3.08 to 1 ratio mentioned above, in 2007, 626,371 DUIs were issued to men in the United States. Women drivers were only issued 162,493.

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Are Men Much More Likely to be Killed in an Accident Than Women Drivers

The stereotype that women are terrible drivers is persistent but not supported by statistical evidence. In reality, men are much more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 71 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2018 were men.

This disparity becomes even more pronounced when considering specific categories: men made up 97 percent of all large truck driver fatalities and 91 percent of all motorcyclist deaths. Despite these statistics, some people still ask, are women worse drivers than men? The evidence suggests that this is not the case, as women tend to have fewer accidents and engage in safer driving behaviors.

One reason girls are considered bad drivers might be due to pervasive societal stereotypes rather than actual driving performance. These stereotypes are sometimes perpetuated by jokes and misconceptions, similar to the Volvo driver stereotypes that label Volvo drivers as overly cautious or slow.

However, just like these Volvo stereotypes, the notion that women are terrible drivers does not hold up under scrutiny. In fact, the data indicates that women are generally safer drivers, challenging the idea that women are worse drivers than men. Therefore, it’s important to address and dispel these myths to ensure a fair and accurate understanding of driving capabilities across genders.

What do These Numbers Tell us About Women Drivers

Based on the numbers, women appear to be safer licensed drivers than men. But why does that matter? Why do guys pay more for car insurance? Take a look at the chart below for male versus female car accident statistics:

U.S. Traffic Fatalities by Driver Gender

When it comes to traffic fatalities, men are significantly more likely to die while driving than women. According to the chart above, men make up somewhere between 65–78 percent of traffic fatalities in every single state in the U.S. By any standard that isn’t a good thing, but from an insurance point of view, it means significantly more expenses are paid out for men than women.

Insurance companies will pay out significantly less in medical payments, uninsured motorist coverage, funeral expenses, and car repairs for women’s auto insurance than they will for men, causing them to charge men higher rates.

Subsequently, the stereotype that women are bad drivers is a common misconception that lacks statistical support. Many people ask, why are women such bad drivers, but data from various studies show that women tend to be safer drivers than men. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that men are significantly more likely to be involved in fatal accidents.

Despite these findings, negative stereotypes persist, including the idea that Asian women are bad drivers and the broader generalization that women drivers are stupid. These stereotypes are harmful and unfounded, often perpetuated by societal biases rather than actual driving performance.

The persistence of stereotypes about female drivers can be attributed to cultural narratives and selective anecdotes rather than factual evidence. For example, the notion that women are bad drivers is not supported by accident statistics, which show that women are involved in fewer severe accidents compared to men.

Addressing questions like why are women such bad drivers requires challenging these stereotypes with data and promoting a more accurate understanding of driving capabilities. By debunking myths such as Asian women are bad drivers and women drivers are stupid, society can move towards a more equitable view of all drivers, irrespective of gender or ethnicity.

Read more: How many people die in car accidents every year?

Are Women Bad Drivers Based on Statistics… and do Car Insurance Rates Show it

The statistics are pretty clear and straightforward women are safer licensed drivers than men. But why is this? Experts say that men, specifically young men, are more aggressive behind the wheel. They are more likely to take risks, and therefore, more likely to make mistakes.

Many believe this is because of higher testosterone levels. This higher likelihood to take risks, fueled by testosterone, also might be the reason why men are statistically more likely to drive under the influence, not wear a seat belt, and go over the speed limit.

Insurance companies consider these statistics carefully when determining your rates.

Because of this, insurance prices tend to be cheaper for women than they are for men. Think of it almost like an award to women for being safer licensed drivers. You drive safe, you get cheaper insurance. It’s as simple as that. See the chart above for a sample of rates comparing gender and age in Florida and the table below for national averages.

But how much cheaper is auto insurance for women? Depending on your age, the price difference can be significant. Take a look at the table of average car insurance rates by age and gender below:

Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by Marital Status, Age, & Gender

The table above shows that gender does impact your rates, but that it is far from the only factor in determining how much you pay for insurance. The largest price difference between genders is at the 17-year-old level, where auto insurance for young males is more expensive because they are much more likely to be impulsive and reckless behind the wheel.

As you move into the 25-year-old demographic the price difference is much lower, only about $150 per year. For 35-year-olds, the price difference basically disappears, leaving only a three or four dollar gap in rates between genders.

One of the big reasons why we see this kind of pattern in insurance rates is because people tend to be calmer and more rational as they age, making them less likely to engage in risky behavior while driving. Another reason we see the difference in insurance premiums disappear is that married people tend to be safer drivers — having a family encourages people to make more responsible decisions.

For those labeled as high-risk drivers, car insurance for bad drivers can be significantly more expensive. Bad driving records, including multiple accidents or traffic violations, result in higher premiums due to the increased risk perceived by insurers.

Interestingly, some companies offer specialized car insurance only for ladies, which can provide additional benefits and discounts for female drivers, further reducing their insurance costs. This specialized insurance acknowledges the statistical reality that women are, on average, safer drivers, countering the stereotype that they are bad drivers.

Thus, car insurance rates reflect the actual driving statistics, not the unfounded stereotypes.

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What is the Difference Between Auto Insurance for Male vs. Female Drivers

As we saw above, gender can play a significant role in determining your insurance rates. Insurance companies have been studying claims information for years to help them decide exactly how much they should charge, but some states have put laws in place to prevent gender from being used to determine what your insurance will cost.

Montana was the first state to put laws in place to prevent insurance companies from rating people based on gender. While this may seem like a new concept, Montana passed its gender-based insurance laws in the 1980s.

Michigan is the most recent state to pick up this issue, with a ban on any non-driving factors being used when determining insurance rates for licensed drivers.

Also, the debate over are men or women worse drivers is ongoing, but statistical evidence sheds light on driving performance across genders. Insurance companies have long studied claims information to determine how much to charge drivers.

Their data often indicates that women tend to be safer drivers than men, leading to lower insurance rates for female drivers in many cases. This is why many people question, statistically what gender is a better driver. The data suggests that women have fewer severe accidents and DUIs compared to men, making them statistically safer drivers.

However, some states, like Montana, have passed laws to prevent insurance companies from using gender to determine rates, promoting equality in insurance costs.

The question of are girls worse drivers also ties into these statistics. Studies and insurance data consistently show that young female drivers are often less likely to be involved in serious accidents than their male counterparts. This has led to the perception that women, and particularly young women, are better drivers from a statistical standpoint.

By examining these trends, it becomes clear that while individual driving skills can vary, statistically what gender is a better driver tends to favor women due to their lower rates of accidents and risky driving behaviors. This insight helps debunk the myth that girls are worse drivers and supports the notion that gender-based stereotypes about driving abilities are unfounded.

This means that your gender, age, ZIP code, and other personal information cannot be used to determine your insurance rates in Michigan as of July 1st, 2020.

Laws are changing every day, so check with your insurance company to find out how gender can affect your auto insurance rates.

Who are the Best Professional Women Drivers

Part of the reason men clock more miles behind the wheel than women is that men are much more likely to drive in a professional capacity. Whether you are talking about something as high risk as race car driving, like Danica Patrick, or as low key as pizza delivery, these jobs are all filled predominantly by men. That doesn’t mean there are no women doing these jobs, however.

Are there female race car drivers? Yes in the racing world women have been competing against men for decades. Famous race car drivers like Michèle Mouton and Lyn St. James have been tearing up the track for years.

Danica Patrick is one of the most famous women drivers in the history of NASCAR and began pursuing professional racing at the tender age of ten. Professional car racing is actually one of the few sports that are not divided into separate leagues by gender.

Women truck drivers only make up about 7 percent of the industry, but that number continues to climb. Women make up slightly more than 30 percent of the UPS and FedEx workforce. A quick Google search even brings up all-female moving companies, taxi services, and other driving-heavy jobs, showing that women play a substantial role in the world of professional drivers.

Why do People Think Men are Better Drivers Than Women

Where does the car stereotype of the “crazy woman driver” come from, especially when you consider that all the evidence indicates that “crazy men drivers” are much more common? Stereotypes are often based on preconceived notions that have no basis in fact.

Women have been driving since the invention of the automobile, showing women driver’s history is every bit as experienced as men.

When cars were relatively new, however, there was a feeling among some men at the time that they should be given priority access to automobiles because they were the primary wage earners.

Men in positions of power and influence decided to run with the idea, such as writer Montgomery Rollins who, “drew on the notion that femaleness unfitted some people for the adult responsibility of driving a powerful gasoline automobile.” Women, however, were excited to go to work and run errands with a car.

The people at General Motors were also excited, specifically about the idea of a two-car family, so female drivers became the norm. However, some men held onto the idea that women were genetically inferior drivers to men. There are still plenty of people who believe this nonsense, even when almost every fact and statistic says otherwise, which is why women drivers are still stereotyped.

Women, however, were excited to go to work and run errands with a car. The people at General Motors were also excited, specifically about the idea of a two-car family, so female drivers became the norm.

However, some men held onto the idea that women were genetically inferior drivers to men. There are still plenty of people who believe this nonsense, even when almost every fact and statistic says otherwise, which is why women drivers are still stereotyped.

This is why you see the difference in insurance rates between men and women drop so sharply over time — once the insurance company can rate you on your own driving history they don’t need to rely on gender-based statistics to determine your rates.

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What are Women Better at Than Men

Statistics show that women are better at being safer drivers than men but, like everything else, this is just a statistic. While the average woman may be a safer driver than the average man, each individual is responsible for their own driving. There will be some women who are reckless drivers and some men who are very cautious on the road.

On the other note, When discussing bad car drivers, it’s important to recognize that there are generally two basic types of bad drivers: those who lack experience and those who exhibit reckless behavior. For those in the former category, finding the best cars for bad drivers can help mitigate risks, as these vehicles often come equipped with advanced safety features and driver assistance systems.

For those seeking resources to improve their driving skills, a website for bad drivers can provide valuable tips, training programs, and community support.

Despite the challenges faced by bad car drivers, professional women drivers like Danica Patrick and Sabine Schmitz have demonstrated exceptional skill and precision, proving that with the right training and dedication, anyone can become an outstanding driver.

What are DUI Statistics by Gender

According to DUI legal experts, men have significantly higher rates of DUI than women. They also have higher recidivism rates than women, on average.

• 77.6 percent of all DUIs in 2010 were male
• 32 percent of male DUI offenders originally convicted in 1994 reoffended at least once by 2010
• 23 percent of female DUI offenders originally convicted in 1994 reoffended at least once by 2010

When insurance companies assign higher rates to young men, these statistics are part of the reason why. DUIs stay on your record for many years and drive your insurance costs up, sometimes by more than a thousand dollars a year, so it is vital for both men and women to know the DUI laws in their state to make sure they don’t end up with a DUI on their record.

The effects of a DUI on your auto insurance premium can be severe and last for many years, so be careful about avoiding DUIs.

DUI Laws by State

Men are much more likely to engage in the type of reckless behavior that will earn you a DUI than women. Are men better drivers than women? Are women worse drivers? The facts say no, they are not.

What are Traffic Violations in the USA by Gender

One of the other ways insurance companies determine how to rate by gender is by which gender is more likely to violate traffic laws. According to the IIHS:

• Males are 50 percent more likely than females to drive over the posted speed limit.
• Among drivers involved in 2018 fatal red-light running, multiple-vehicle crashes, the red light runners were more likely than other drivers to be male, to be younger, and to have prior crashes or alcohol-impaired driving convictions.
• In 2017, 92 percent of female front-seat occupants were observed using their belts, compared with 88 percent of males.

Based on these statistics, the question of who are safer drivers isn’t difficult to answer. How much a speeding ticket raises your insurance rates is dependent on a number of factors, but a speeding ticket will almost always make your premiums go up.

These factors play a part in helping insurance companies determine how much more to charge men than women for their annual premiums.

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Are Women Bad Drivers: What’s our Bottom Line

Are women bad drivers? Absolutely not.

This doesn’t mean there are no women who are bad at driving, simply that women, as a group, are generally excellent drivers and are not deserving of scorn. Women drivers are rewarded for their good driving abilities with lower insurance premiums than their male counterparts for the first several years behind the wheel.

Whether you’re male or female, you can find lower auto insurance rates by entering your ZIP code into our FREE tool below.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding women driving cars:

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