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Time Business News
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Surprising Gender Parity Trends Uncovered in Fatal Crash Rates Across Ten States
Dallas, Texas — July 2025 New findings from The Texas Law Dog reveal that gender disparities in fatal car crashes are narrowing in specific states across the country. While men still account for the majority of driver deaths, a five-year review shows that women in certain regions are approaching comparable fatality rates behind the wheel. Using data from 2018 through 2022, researchers at The Texas Law Dog analyzed crash statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. By pairing those with licensing figures from the Federal Highway Administration, the team calculated average annual driver fatalities per 100,000 licensed male and female drivers. Their goal was to identify states where women are more likely than average to be involved in deadly traffic incidents. Alaska led the rankings with a male-to-female fatality ratio of 2.79. That means men were just under three times more likely to die in fatal crashes than women. Male drivers in Alaska averaged 11.80 fatalities annually, while women averaged 4.23. Idaho followed as the second most balanced state, with a ratio of 2.93 and fatality averages of 19.08 for men and 6.52 for women. New Hampshire placed third with a ratio of 2.97, based on annual fatality rates of 11.45 for men and 3.85 for women per 100,000 licensed drivers. Oklahoma took the fourth spot with a flat 3.00 ratio, despite having one of the highest male driver fatality rates among the top ten, at 27.95. Female drivers in Oklahoma had an average of 9.31 fatalities, pointing to elevated risk for both genders. Montana, Mississippi, Delaware, Kansas, Nebraska, and Alabama round out the top ten. Each state shows a male-to-female fatality ratio between 3.06 and 3.21. Despite these tighter gaps compared to national averages, male drivers in all ten states remain substantially more vulnerable to fatal crashes than women. Alabama holds the tenth position with a ratio of 3.21. Over the five-year period, Alabama recorded 25.68 annual male fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers, compared to 7.99 for female drivers. Although the gap is narrower here than in most other states, the disparity still points to a persistent pattern. Delaware and Mississippi share a ratio of 3.12, but Mississippi stands out with exceptionally high overall fatality figures. Male drivers in Mississippi averaged 36.14 fatalities annually, nearly three times the rate seen among female drivers at 11.59. In Kansas, the average was 21.90 male fatalities and 7.01 female fatalities, leading to a 3.13 ratio. Nebraska came in ninth with rates of 17.77 for men and 5.58 for women. These figures position the state just ahead of Alabama in terms of gender parity. Texas, the home state of The Texas Law Dog, did not place among the top ten. Instead, it ranks 30th, with a higher male-to-female fatality ratio of 3.62. In Texas, the annual average fatality rate stands at 21.70 for male drivers and 6.00 for female drivers, indicating that men are more than three and a half times as likely to be involved in fatal collisions. Researchers at The Texas Law Dog emphasize that these findings should not be misinterpreted as a sign of safety improvements for male drivers. Rather, the closer fatality rates suggest that female drivers in these regions may be exposed to increasing risk. Several factors could be influencing these shifts, including differences in vehicle usage, road conditions, commuting patterns, and regional enforcement strategies. The data highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions. Public officials can use this information to develop focused education campaigns, traffic enforcement policies, and driver safety programs that consider gender differences and local risk profiles. States showing narrower gaps may benefit from enhanced public safety tools that are reaching both male and female audiences more effectively. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Pedestrian deaths declined last year but remain high: report
This story was originally published on Smart Cities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Smart Cities Dive newsletter. Pedestrian deaths in the U.S. fell for the second straight year in 2024 but remain nearly 20% higher than in 2016, according to a Governors Highway Safety Association report released today based on preliminary data. Drivers killed 7,148 people last year, with more than three quarters of pedestrian fatalities taking place after dark. Nearly two-thirds of deaths occurred in places lacking sidewalks. More than half of pedestrian deaths happened in collisions with SUVs and pickup trucks. These vehicles accounted for 54% of fatalities. Pedestrian fatalities rose from 4,779 in 2013 to a high of 7,593 in 2022 before beginning to decline, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pedestrian deaths are increasing faster than overall traffic fatalities, the GHSA said, and now account for nearly one-fifth of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. The GHSA report found that alcohol use played a role for both drivers and pedestrians. Speeding accounted for 8.1% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023, using data from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. A quarter of deaths involved drivers who left the scene of the accident. The nation's 10 most populous cities, which together accounted for 766 pedestrian deaths in 2023, saw a 9.6% decrease from the prior year, according to the report. New York City and San Diego achieved the largest declines, while San Antonio, Texas, was the only one of the 10 to see an increase in fatalities. New Mexico was the deadliest state in the nation for pedestrians in 2024, recording 4.41 deaths per 100,000 population, according to GHSA preliminary data. Arizona, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi and Nevada all had more than 3 fatalities per 100,000 population, compared to the national rate of 2.10. Kentucky, South Carolina and Wyoming all lowered their pedestrian fatality rates by more than 0.50 points. A number of states have implemented targeted educational outreach to improve pedestrian safety. Illinois and Maryland, for example, created programs geared to school-age children. Connecticut and Rhode Island developed safety campaigns geared toward older pedestrians. Using crash data, Maine is focusing its outreach efforts on urban areas, while South Carolina is using social media and billboard advertising in the 10 counties with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities. Greater attention among all levels of government is being directed toward vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, the report states. Tactics include road designs that foster safer vehicle speeds, refuge islands along wide roads and traffic signals at intersections that allow pedestrians to cross before cars. Law enforcement plays an important role in addressing dangerous driving behaviors that place pedestrians at risk, the report says. Most of this enforcement occurs at the local level and often focuses on speeding, distracted driving or driving while impaired. California, Washington, D.C., and some other states conduct operations using plain clothes officers at crosswalks. When they observe drivers who do not yield the right of way to pedestrians, they alert other officers stationed ahead to pull those motorists over for a citation or warning. California, Indiana and Utah also have programs to enforce laws requiring drivers to stop for a stopped school bus, helping to prevent injuries to children. 'The second straight year of fewer pedestrian deaths is a step in the right direction, but much more must be done to protect people walking,' said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins in a statement. 'Now is the time to double down on what works — more and better infrastructure, enforcement to deter dangerous driving behaviors, engaged and informed communities, and vehicles designed to protect people on foot.' Recommended Reading Enforcement, education could reduce traffic deaths from distracted driving: report Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Massachusetts leads the nation with second-highest rise in alcohol-impaired deaths, study says
A new study has found that Massachusetts leads the nation with the second highest rise in alcohol-impaired fatalities. Researchers with Nevada-based H&P Law analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the firm said in a statement. The study analyzed the rise and fall of alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities across all 50 U.S. states, using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2023 report on motor vehicle crashes. By examining the proportion of alcohol-related deaths per 100 total crash fatalities in both 2022 and 2023, the study calculated the year-over-year percentage change in each state. 'This study highlights where DUI-related deaths are surging and where improvements have been made,' researchers said. Massachusetts ranks second with a more than 20% increase in alcohol-impaired fatalities, researchers said. The Bay State experienced 28.05 fatalities per 100 total deaths in 2022, which rose to 33.82 in 2023, 'highlighting a growing problem with impaired driving deaths,' researchers said. 'The findings from Massachusetts are a sobering reminder that alcohol-impaired driving continues to claim lives and leave lasting scars,' a spokesperson at H&P Law said in a statement. 'Behind every number is a family left grieving, a survivor facing a lifelong recovery, or a community grappling with loss.' 'When DUI fatalities rise instead of fall, it signals more than just a traffic safety issue — it's a deeper societal challenge,' the spokesman said. 'Massachusetts must prioritize stronger enforcement, harsher penalties for repeat offenders, and broader education to prevent these entirely avoidable tragedies.' The study comes about two weeks after an accused drunk driver was arraigned in connection with a fatal crash in Franklin over Memorial Day weekend that killed a 5-year-old girl and her mother. They were going to Blackstone for a family birthday party with other family members at the time of the crash. Minaben Patel, 38, of Franklin, died days after the May 24 crash that killed her daughter, Krisha Patel, 5, officials said. The driver accused in the fatal crash, James Blanchard, 21, of Franklin, was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail following his arraignment on May 27. A not guilty plea was entered on Blanchard's behalf. Blanchard is charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently and under the influence of alcohol, three counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, negligent driving, driving a motor vehicle with an open container of alcohol, and marked lanes violation, the district attorney said. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
What states have the highest, lowest auto insurance rates?
What states have the highest, lowest auto insurance rates? Show Caption Hide Caption How to save money on car insurance This app can help save you money on car insurance. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY The average auto insurance rate in the U.S. is expected to go up by 7.5% in 2025, according to a new analysis by MarketWatch Guides. The hikes will add an average $182 to the average annual full-coverage premium nationwide raising it to $2,615 from $2,433. Drivers in several states face increases of $200 or more. With the average American worker making $68,000, auto insurance will consume nearly 3.9% of annual income and significantly more in states with lower median incomes, MarketWatch Guides said. MarketWatch Guides calculated average auto insurance rates using data from Quadrant Information Services for a 35-year-old single driver with a clean driving record and good credit who drives a 2023 Toyota Camry. Why are auto insurance premiums going up? The auto insurance industry faced headwinds a few years ago in 2022 and 2023, said Daniel Robinson, senior auto insurance research and writer at MarketWatch Guides. There was increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, he said. "These disasters led to higher-than-expected claims, straining insurers' bottom lines," Robinson told USA TODAY. Insurance premiums have been on a steady climb since dramatic pandemic-era disruptions spurred rate hikes, but have slowed to smaller increases, he said. A shortage of vehicle parts and skilled auto repair workers that emerged during the pandemic era when there were supply chain snarls still plays a role in increased repair costs today, Robinson said. Insurers unfortunately took the brunt of those repair costs, which required them to raise premiums to stay financially stable. "We've also seen prices of cars in general rise in recent years due to inflation and increased demand. This adds another compounding effect," he said. Tariffs, which have led to an increase in the cost of imported car parts, also make repairing cars more expensive and are passed on in higher insurance premiums, Robinson said. What states have the highest auto premiums? Drivers in Louisiana pay the most, with an average of $3,481 per year or $290 a month for a full-coverage policy. Louisiana also has one of the highest rates of highway fatalities, with 19.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The national average is 12.8 deaths per 100,000 residents. Vermont drivers have the lowest average premium at $1,624 per year on average or $135 a month. The state has a below-average rate of highway fatalities at 11.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to MarketWatch Guides. More money: Add auto insurance to the list of things increasing in price with Trump's tariffs Where is car insurance increasing the most? MarketWatch Guides' analysis found the most dramatic insurance premium price hike was in Washington, D.C., where premiums rose by 20% from $2,684 to $3,209. Maine and South Carolina also saw big increases of 10%. In South Carolina, a 10% raise in premiums is $221 more in costs per year, the second-highest dollar amount increase after Washington, D.C. ($525). Nevada had the biggest decreases in premiums. Nevada's average premium fell from $3,549 to $2,889. That's a 19% decrease and a $660 difference. Even though Louisiana is the most expensive state for auto premiums, it had the second-highest decrease in annual premiums in terms of dollar amounts and as a percentage. Premiums in Louisiana fell by 14% in 2025 or $576. Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Passing Down Your Old Car to Your Teen Could Be a Deadly Mistake
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. American teenagers are at significantly higher risk of dying in car crashes if they drive older vehicles. This is the conclusion of a study from Nationwide Children's Hospital which reveals that teens driving vehicles between 6–15 years old face a 19 percent greater risk of death in fatal crashes compared to those driving vehicles five-years-old and newer. For teens in vehicles older than 15 years, the risk disparity rises to 31 percent. Lead researcher Jingzhen Ginger Yang told Newsweek that parents and caregivers influence the vehicles their teens drive, which affects the driving safety of the teens and other road users. Teenage girl driver in glasses sitting behind wheel of car. Teenage girl driver in glasses sitting behind wheel of car. Valeriy_G "Families should be advised to prioritize safety features when choosing the first car for teens, ensuring it is newer and safer, given the increased involvement of teen drivers in motor vehicle crashes and motor vehicle crash-related fatalities," she said. The researchers analyzed data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a national crash database covering the years 2016 to 2021. They compared vehicles driven by teen drivers (ages 15–18) to those driven by middle-aged drivers (ages 31–55) involved in fatal crashes. The findings were stark—teens were more likely to drive older vehicles and those lacking essential driver assistance technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring. "Parents commonly pass their old vehicles to their teens who are still learning basic driving skills," said paper co-author Fangda Zhang "While it is an exciting milestone for families with new drivers, this practice increases teens' vulnerability to vehicle malfunctions, making their driving less safe." The study highlights that each driver assistance technology present in a vehicle is associated with a six percent reduction in the risk of driver death during a fatal crash. Despite this, teens are less likely than middle-aged drivers to benefit from these life-saving features because they are often driving older, less equipped vehicles. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that teens should drive the safest vehicles available. "Parents can refer to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for a list of affordable, safe vehicles for teens," Dr Yang said. "If a newer vehicle is not an option, more frequent maintenance should be encouraged to improve the vehicle's safety." While the study did not identify the most effective technologies for teen drivers, Yang emphasized that newer vehicle technologies like crash avoidance, lane assistance, and teen-specific features can notably reduce crashes and injuries. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about stars? Let us know via science@ Reference Zhang, F., Rundus, C. R. M., Alshaikh, E., Peek-Asa, C., & Yang, J. (2025). Vehicle Age and Driver Assistance Technologies in Fatal Crashes Involving Teen and Middle-Aged Drivers. JAMA Network Open, 8(5).
