When you start looking around for car insurance quotes one of the first things you might notice is how age affects the price of your premium. If you are wondering why this is, it is usually because of factual road statistics. While there will be many drivers in each category that do not fit 'the stereotype' the statistics merely look at the facts surrounding car accident injuries as well as fatalities.

There are four distinct groups of drivers and thee road accident statistics detailing these groups. As mentioned, these are not stereotypical views and many commonly held beliefs about some types of drivers are unfounded. While other groups (such as young female drivers) are changing in relation to car accidents as drinking (and, unfortunately, sometimes driving) becomes more prevalent among young women.

The overall statistics are scary enough:

• There are about six hundred thousand accidents reported in Australia each year.
• Around twenty two thousand serious injuries are recorded (requiring some form of treatment).
• There are approximately sixteen hundred people killed in Australia each year due to car accidents.

Young Drivers

Younger drivers are always the most concerning when looking at road accident statistics as they are over represented in the numbers. While they are not in the most at risk category for road fatalities they are the most at risk of being in an accident. This is also reflected in the cost of car insurance for younger drivers.

The main causes of accidents for younger drivers are usually due to inexperience. There is also a tendency for younger drivers to want to go faster without understanding the impact this can have. Because of the inexperience of younger drivers, their reaction in an accident can often make the situation worse. This is usually an over correcting of the steering while a car is out of control.

Older Drivers

Older drivers may have the experience but when it comes to road accidents they are the most at risk of dying. This is due to a number of factors which include:

• Increased frailty due to age;
• Worsening eyesight;
• Slower reaction times;
• Undiagnosed conditions.

This is why drivers, as they get older, must complete more intensive reviews of their health before renewing licences.

Female Drivers

There are a lot of incorrect stereotypes out there about female drivers and they are, on average, the safest on the road. However, there are worrying trends among young female drivers. Younger female drivers are starting to catch up with their freewheeling male peers when it comes to irresponsible driving. This can include drink driving as well as speeding.

Male Drivers

Male drivers are seen as the most at risk in most age categories and this can usually be attributed mostly to young drivers. Younger male drivers have a much higher tendency for risk taking and this is shown in the statistics. Unfortunately for men, they are almost three times more likely to be killed in a road accident than women. While road statistics may not represent you, they are one of the few ways police, government and education providers can provide targeted help to take the nations road toll down further.