Men vs Women Drivers: Who Causes More Accidents? - HHJ Trial Attorneys
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Who Causes More Car Accidents in San Diego: Men or Women?

freeway car accident san diego
Founding partner of HHJ Trial Attorneys Elliott Jung black and white portrait

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

Adam copy

University of California, Berkeley

Updated: May 14, 2026

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Key Takeaways

  1. Men are involved in more crashes overall, but they also tend to drive more miles—so the data isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
  2. Age matters more than gender, with teens (especially 16–19) posing the highest crash risk due to inexperience and risk-taking behavior.
  3. Reliable, clear-cut statistics comparing men vs. women drivers are limited, and many claims are influenced by bias rather than solid evidence.
  4. California bans gender-based insurance pricing, reflecting a shift away from outdated assumptions about “better” drivers.
  5. Fault in accidents comes down to behavior—like speeding or distraction—not gender, making unbiased legal evaluation essential.

There have been endless debates about whether women or men are the best drivers. In reality, men are more likely to die in car accidents. However, the data supporting the number of crashes caused by men vs. women is sparse. While men are involved in more crashes, several factors can contribute, including the fact that men generally drive more miles than women. This information correlates with data showing that the risk of crashes is higher for men.

It’s difficult to definitively state that women are better drivers or that men are more reckless. Car accident rates are far more dependent on age than on gender. Comparing male and female drivers is challenging because there are only two variables to consider. When we try to gather a clearer picture of how gender affects car crash statistics, it’s easy to fall into the trap of confirmation bias. 

When someone believes that women are worse drivers, any information that aligns with that belief confirms their bias, even if the statistics are more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Information varies significantly based on state, age, ethnicity, and type of collision, so there is no easy answer. This uncertainty is the main reason why laws were introduced prohibiting insurance providers from charging men and women different rates.

How Many Accidents Are Caused by Men vs. Women in San Diego?

There are dozens of conflicting reports regarding the exact number of accidents caused by men versus women. Some claim that men between 20 and 24 cause the largest number of fatal accidents in San Diego. Yet, there aren’t any reputable sources to back those statements. The most credible data only confirms specific factors. For example, a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that men are far less likely to use their seatbelts.

It’s crucial to remember that gender has no real impact on a person’s ability to perform specific tasks. An individual’s driving ability depends on their behavior and attitudes, as well as on whether they prioritize the safety of other road users. Trying to blame gender for an accident is useless because it ignores the genuine issues at hand, like distracted driving and DUIs. Factors that can provide useful insights include age, average miles driven, and types of vehicles. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenagers are the most likely group to be involved in serious and fatal car accidents. Across age groups, there are objective physiological differences in brain development that affect the tendency toward risky driving behaviors. Drivers between 16 and 19 don’t wear seatbelts as often as adults, and they speed more than drivers with fully developed brains.

Do California Insurance Companies Have Different Rates for Men and Women?

In California, it is illegal for insurance providers to charge men and women different amounts for the same coverage. In the past, insurers would charge men more based on the notion that women are more risk-averse than men. Fortunately, governments have realized that these gender-based ideas are completely outdated. In fact, studies show that women are “better” drivers if they are not threatened by the stereotype that expects them to drive badly.

Does Gender Affect Crash Liability in San Diego?

There is sufficient evidence that proves that neither men nor women are worse drivers. However, insurance companies still try to use the stereotype as an excuse for unfairly shifting more blame onto female drivers. It is against the law to legally discriminate based on gender, but many still try to lowball female claimants. Liability must be determined based on the actions of the driver, such as speeding, negligence, and traffic violations.

Men and women can both act irresponsibly and disregard others’ safety. Neither gender is more likely to cause a crash based on their anatomy. Objective evidence and thorough investigation are the only ways to determine why an accident happened accurately. Crash victims shouldn’t receive less money just because of their gender, so working with an unbiased, reputable car accident lawyer in San Diego is a crucial part of a successful claim.

Why Does Unbiased Legal Representation Matter in a Car Accident Case?

At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we know that making claims about an entire gender’s abilities is an old-fashioned approach to car accident liability. Our lawyers prioritize facts over myths and aggressively advocate for victims who deserve fair compensation. We work on a contingency-fee basis so that all victims can access high-quality legal support regardless of their current financial situation. Claimants only pay us if we successfully secure compensation.

If you are being treated unfairly due to assumptions about your gender, contact HHJ Trial Attorneys. We offer free case reviews to help you learn more about your rights. Insurance providers often rely on bad-faith tactics to manipulate claimants and undermine their credibility. Our team is devoted to protecting victims from such tactics and treating every client equally, regardless of their physiology.

professional attorney and founding partner of HHJ Elliott Jung
Elliot H. Jung

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

Elliot H. Jung is a trial attorney at HHJ Trial Attorneys who focuses on helping injured clients navigate complex personal injury cases. With an emphasis on advocacy, case strategy, and client support, he works to secure fair outcomes for people facing medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related losses. His approach combines legal experience with a commitment to clear communication and effective representation.

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