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What You May Not Know About the Risks to Women Injured in Iowa Car Accidents

Studies say that men are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident than women, but who is more likely to be injured in car accidents? According to the statistics of a study performed by the American Journal of Public Health, comparing both men and women who wore seatbelts, women are 47% more likely to be injured in the same car crash as men. This study that involved more than 45,000 crashes also found that the injuries that women were more likely to suffer from were chest and spinal injuries. Since men are three times more likely to be involved in a serious car crash than women, car companies use the law of averages to determine where to focus their safety systems. Since men are involved in more car accidents, the safety systems are geared more towards their safety.
Why Are Cars So Risky for Women?
This study was based on older model cars, dating from 1998 to 2008. Since as a standard average, women are shorter and weigh less than men, women are at greater risk for being injured by the airbag. Other factors that play a role include the seating posture that women use to drive, putting them at greater risk for injury. The good news is that newer model cars are equipped with dual-depth or dual-stage driver and passenger airbags as well as weight sensors that adjust the force that the airbag explodes according to the driver or passenger’s size, reducing the risk of injury for women.
What Can Women Do To Stay Safe?

• Correct Posture – Women in general tend to sit real close to the steering wheel which puts them at greater risk. Instead position your body further back from the steering wheel with your arms fully extended; this will reduce your risk of injury from the airbag.

• Don’t Slouch – Women tend to slouch forward when driving, putting them at greater risk for injury. To prevent this, use a lumbar support to prevent slouching.

• Proper Belt Placement – In order for a seatbelt to do its job, it needs to be properly positioned. If you find your belt hitting your neck or even too close to your neck, use a device that changes the position of your seatbelt.

If you are a woman that has been in a car accident that left you with injuries, we are here to help. Our book offered by Iowa Attorneys Corey L. Walker and Erik Bair “The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents – 7 Secrets To Not Wreck Your Case” is available at NO COST or obligation and will help answer your questions. This book was written to help Iowans learn Iowa’s accident laws and what rights you have when involved in a car accident. This book can be ordered by visiting www.IowaCarAccidentBook.com or by calling the 24-hour recorded message line at 1-800-707-2552 (extension 510). This book is provided for Iowans to read in the comfort of their own home with no pressure or obligations. If you require immediate assistance, call 515-440-2852 and ask for Corey. You can also contact us to request more information.