Male Drivers Cause Most Female Deaths

Most female deaths and serious injuries are caused by young male drivers, new statistics have revealed.

The shocking statistics were revealed last week at the launch of ‘He Drives, She Dies’, a new initiative jointly developed by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the cross-border health services partnership CAWT (Co-Operation and Working Together), financed by the European Union.

The research shows that between 1997 and 2006:

• 1,444 females were killed or seriously injured in cars driven by males
• 345 female passengers were killed in road collisions
• 68% (234) of these deaths were in cars driven by males.
• Over one-third (81) were killed in cars driven by males aged 17-24.
• 70% of female passengers aged 17-24 were killed in cars driven by males aged 17-24.

The campaign aims to encourage females to say no to getting into a car with a guy who drives dangerously. Research carried out by CAWT showed that 80% of car passengers have felt unsafe at times, mostly because of speeding. However, respondents said they would be reluctant to ask the driver to slow down because it wouldn’t be cool to do so.

Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA, called on females nationwide to put their foot down:

“Girls, the facts speak for themselves – most female deaths and serious injuries are caused by male drivers. This campaign is about ‘girl power’ and you have the power to make a choice here. So put your foot down. Tell him you’re not impressed with the way he drives. Every time you get into a car with your boyfriend, partner or brother who drives dangerously, you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk. And more often than not, it’s a case of ‘He Drives, She Dies.’”

Posted Monday 7th July 2008