Cars are one of the most dangerous methods of transportation available to us, but it doesn’t stop us from depending on automobile travel day in and day out. With millions of cars on the road at any given time, it’s all too likely drivers will face an accident at some point in their lives. But some vehicles present a more significant danger than others when it comes to how often they’re involved in car crashes. Below is updated research on the most dangerous vehicles as of 2019.
How Common Are Car Accidents?
According to Kansas City car accident lawyer Sam Wendt, a leading personal injury attorney in Missouri, motor vehicle accidents are the most common form of travel in the United States. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most common causes of injury.
Legal resource center HG says in 2015, Americans drove more than any recorded year in history. There was also an 8% increase in the number of fatal car crashes when compared to previous years. The number of vehicle crashes has increased over time as more cars are on the road. Studies show there is a correlation between a lower unemployment rate and a higher rate of car accidents. As more people drive to work and sit in rush hour traffic, the likelihood of an accident increases.
Most Dangerous Cars 2019
While all vehicles pose a risk, it’s important to be informed as to which cars are most likely to lead to fatal accidents. A 2019 study by automotive research firm iSeeCars.com aggregated data from model years 2013 to 2017 to analyze which vehicle models have the highest fatality rates. Using data from more than 25 million used cars across those four years, they found 14 vehicle models that are at least twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
For the purposes of the study, the rate of fatal accidents were calculated per billion vehicle miles driven.
The rankings are as follows:
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Honda Fit
- Kia Forte
- Chevrolet Spark
- Subaru BRZ
- Nissan 370Z
- Nissan Versa
- Kia Rio
- Dodge Challenger
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Kia Soul
- Hyundai Veloster Turbo
- Nissan Versa Note
The data shows that sports cars and small compact vehicles tie for the most common in fatal accidents. Subcompact cars have an average fatal accident rate of 4.5 cars per billion miles. This number is almost double the average for all vehicles. Sports cars are the overall most dangerous, with an average 4.6 cars per billion miles.
What Makes These Cars So Dangerous?
Researchers point to a few different factors as to why these vehicles are so much more dangerous than the average car on the road. One possible reason is the lack of modern safety features in some of the subcompact models. Only two of the models have safety features beyond a rear-view camera in the years 2013 to 2017.
Another pattern across the vehicle is a below-average performance on crash safety tests. Many of the vehicles performed poorly on specific safety tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with some earning the lowest possible rating under certain collision conditions.
In addition to these factors, speed may play a role in the rate of fatalities for these vehicles. Sports cars are known for their high speeds and quick movements, weaving through traffic and racing down city streets. Traveling at high speed and not being aware of your surroundings or blind spots are two of the most common causes of any car accident. These factors could possibly play an additional role into rating the safety value of subcompact and sports cars on the list.
Whether you are in the market and shopping for a new vehicle, or are simply interested in understanding the risk associated with driving, it’s critical to pay attention to the standard safety ratings of modern vehicles. Technology has certainly improved over time, making even the vehicles on this list far safer than automobiles from previous decades. However it’s worth noting the modern lapses in safety in order to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.