Some cars have higher rates of occupant fatalities than others, and it isn’t always the vehicles you might expect. Car-buying search site ISeeCars.com analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and compiled a list of the 23 passenger vehicles with the highest rates of occupant fatalities for model years 2018-2022.
It’s important to note that a variety of factors can impact the fatality rates of different vehicles, including the driving habits of people who tend to choose certain cars. In other words, higher fatality rates aren’t necessarily the result of inferior safety features.
The Most Dangerous Types of Cars
Smaller Cars on Average Have Higher Fatality Rates
In the aggregate, subcompact and compact cars are the most dangerous. The fatality rate for these smaller cars is 3.6 occupant deaths per 1 billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT). That’s a pretty small number, but the average across all vehicle types is 2.8, and all other vehicle types are lower still:
- Midsize vehicles: 2.5 occupant fatalities per 1 billion VMT
- SUVs: 2.2 occupant fatalities per 1 billion VMT
- Large vehicles: 2.0 fatalities per 1 billion VMT
That makes sense, since smaller cars are generally less able to absorb the force of a collision with a larger, heavier vehicle. But, on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis, it’s a bit more complicated.
Half of the 10 Vehicles With the Highest Occupant Fatalities are SUVs
Despite the higher overall risk of small vehicles, SUVs are heavily represented on the list of vehicles with the highest occupant fatality rates. SUVs in the top 23 include:
- Hyundai Venue (#1)
- Honda CR-V Hybrid (#5)
- Tesla Model Y (#6)
- Buick Encore GX (#8)
- Buick Envision (#10)
- Kia Seltos (#16)
- Ford Bronco (#17)
- Ford Bronco Sport (#18)
- Toyota Venza (#23)
Other vehicles in the top 23 include:
- Chevrolet Corvette (#2)
- Mitsubishi Mirage (#3)
- Porsche 911 (#4)
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (#7)
- Kia Forte (#9)
- Kia Soul (#11)
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback (#12)
- Chevrolet Camaro (#13)
- Nissan Versa (#14)
- Kia K5 (#15)
- Dodge Charger (#19)
- Toyota Prius (#20)
- Tesla Model S (#21)
- INFINITI QSO (#22)
How Significant is the Difference in Fatality Rates?
Every motor vehicle on the list has an occupant fatality rate of at least double the overall average. In some cases, the difference is much more significant. According to the ISeeCars analysis, the #1 vehicle on the list has an occupant fatality rate of 13.9 deaths per 1 billion VMT. That’s 4.9 times the average. The Chevy Corvette, Mitsubishi Mirage, Porsche 911 and Honda CR-V Hybrid also have occupant fatality rates of more than 4 times the average.
In contrast, the highest occupant fatality rate listed for trucks is 5 fatalities per 1 billion VMT–just over double the average rate for trucks and somewhat less than twice the average rate for cars and SUVs.
Most Motor Vehicle Accidents are Avoidable
A variety of factors can impact a driver’s risk on the road, including the weather, the vehicle, how well maintained the vehicle is, the design and condition of the road, traffic and other variables. However, in most circumstances whether a car accident happens or is avoided comes down to the actions of the drivers. A driver who is obeying all traffic laws and regulations and adapting for conditions should be able to avoid most collisions. For example, a driver who is maintaining a safe following distance and keeping their attention on the road will typically have time to avoid a collision with a vehicle that brakes suddenly in front of them. And a driver who has reduced speed due to wet or icy road conditions has better control of the vehicle and a better chance of being able to stop or take evasive action.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident or have lost a loved one to a motor vehicle accident, your best next step is to talk to an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer. Attorney Frank Hartman has dedicated his legal practice to fighting for fair compensation for injury victims. He has the knowledge, experience, and passion to help navigate any Charleston-area car accident case. To learn more about how we can help, call us today or fill out our contact form.