Gender differences in crash characteristics among young drivers admitted to hospital in NSW

Abstract

Young drivers are over represented in crash and casualty statistics, and there are gender specific differences in fatality risk among young adults. Males have consistently higher rates of death than females, even when exposure differences are controlled. Crash characteristics in serious injury crashes have been studied less extensively. This analysis examines gender differences in crash characteristics among seriously injured drivers aged 17-25 years in crashes in NSW. A linked hospital and police record dataset was utilised. Logistic regression was used to examine crash characteristics and outcomes by gender. Of 2886 young drivers admitted to hospital over three years, 59% were male and 41% were female. Overall, 3% had been unrestrained, but young males were more likely to have been unrestrained (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6-3.6) and to have been in serious crashes (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.8-3.5) than young females. Males were also more likely to have been in loss of control crashes (OR 2.3, 95% CI 2.0-2.6) and were twice as likely to have been in single vehicle crashes than females (OR 1.9 95% CI 1.7-2.2). Males were also more often in older vehicles than females (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.5). There were also differences in the pattern of injury with males more likely to have head injury (OR 2.0 95% CI 1.7-2.4). There are significant differences in crash characteristics of young male and female drivers who are injured in crashes in NSW. Increased understanding of factors underpinning these differences is needed. Gender specific interventions may be warranted.