Northern California Injury Lawyer Blog

A recent study by UC-Irvine researchers suggests that the widely-held assumption that males are more likely to be involved in drunk driving accidents may be a myth. The incidence of young women’s involvement in these accidents has increased alarmingly, according to results of a study posted on UC-Irvine’s website.

The study, led by emergency medicine physicians with the Center for Trauma and Injury Prevention Research at the UC I Medical Center, reports an increase in the risky behavior among women between 1995 and 2004. While seatbelt use increased for both young men and women, strangely enough, the increase among women was smaller.

Meanwhile, auto accidents remain the leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults, a fact compounded by the effects of alcohol and failure to use seatbelts, the study states.

The UC-I team reviewed accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov) from 1995-2004. They found that about 139,000 fatal crashes in the age groups 16 to 24 occurred during the time of the study, and that the increase in alcohol-related crashes was more pronounced in the older age group—those between ages 21 and 24.

This study is significant because it somewhat dispels the myth that women are far safer drivers than men. DUI crashes and incidents are typically considered a male domain, as is lack of seat belt use. Driving under the influence and not buckling up are two of least safe driving practices, which can lead to tragedy for the driver – man or woman -- and other motorists and pedestrians who may be in the path of his/her vehicle.