A new study by NRMA Insurance shows women are more likely to have car accidents, but men’s accidents are more likely to result in write-offs or serious injury.

Launched by NRMA Insurance CEO Rick Jackson last week, the survey – which collated the views of ACT and NSW drivers – shows the average Australian is likely to be involved in a car crash once every seven years, and more women than men will be involved in a crash.

But while the majority of females involved in crashes sustain minor injuries like whiplash, their male counterparts are twice as likely to sustain serious injuries like spinal and head injuries.

Mr Jackson says NRMA Insurance will focus over the next few years on addressing factors that affect driver behaviour and work with car manufacturers to influence vehicle design.

“It is important that we are aware and understand the risk of all road users so that we can help minimise the likelihood of becoming involved in a crash,” he said.

The survey shows collisions in NSW alone result in a property damage bill of $1.8 billion. It also shows more than half of all reported accidents are rear-enders.