Study Finds Women Most Likely to Be Involved in Gas Pedal Auto Accidents

A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that auto accidents in Northern California and across the United States caused by drivers pressing down on the gas pedal instead of the brake are much more likely to be caused by women than men. According to the study, reported by the Associated Press, these gas pedal accidents become even more common in older age groups.

The NHTSA study found that nearly two-thirds of drivers involved in gas pedal car crashes were female, with these accidents occurring most frequently in drivers over the age of 76 and the second most likely age group being those under the age of 20.

According to the study, executive functioning in the brain, which is related to planning, organizing, and attention, does not fully develop until early adulthood. These cognitive functions may be related to pedal operation while driving, leading teenagers who have not fully developed this area and elderly people who have a decreased capability with such function to have a greater likelihood of making a serious mistake.

Of the places most likely to see a gas pedal accident occurring, the most frequent are parking lots, parking garages, and driveways due to the need for frequent stopping and starting, often at a moment’s notice. But not all accidents are related to women, the study also stated that 60 percent of all drivers involved in auto accidents are male.

Being injured in an auto accident due to another party’s actions, no matter what the cause was, can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for a victim. If you are in need of legal representation for your case, the experienced San Jose auto accident attorneys at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys can assist you in finding fair and full compensation for your losses. For more information, call us today at (800) 900-0863.