Car safety has come a long way, but fatal car accident rates have been climbing. Over the past five years, more crashes have led to deadly outcomes, despite the latest safety technology. According to a study by iSeeCars, the fatal crash rate now sits at 2.8 per billion miles. Some cars stand out for having much higher fatality rates, with the Hyundai Venue topping the list. Among brands, Tesla leads with the highest fatal crash rate.
To identify the most dangerous vehicles, iSeeCars analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The study focused on model year 2018-2022 vehicles involved in fatal crashes between 2017 and 2022. Despite airbags, crash avoidance systems, and other safety features, certain cars still see more deadly collisions.
Which cars have the highest fatal car accident rates?
Small cars and sports cars dominate this list. Lightweight vehicles don’t have enough mass to absorb crash forces, leaving occupants more vulnerable in serious collisions. Five vehicles have fatal crash rates nearly five times higher than the average:
- Hyundai Venue – 13.9 fatal collisions per billion miles (4.9 times the average)
- Chevrolet Corvette – 13.6 (4.8x)
- Mitsubishi Mirage – 13.6 (4.8x)
- Porsche 911 – 13.2 (4.6x)
- Honda CR-V Hybrid – 13.2 (4.6x)
Which SUVs have the most fatal crashes?
SUVs have an advantage in size and weight, but their higher center of gravity increases rollover risks. The most dangerous SUVs include:
- Hyundai Venue – 13.9 (6.3x the SUV average)
- Honda CR-V Hybrid – 13.2 (5.9x)
- Tesla Model Y – 10.6 (4.8x)
- Buick Encore GX – 9.8 (4.4x)
- Buick Envision – 8.0 (3.6x)
Surprisingly, larger SUVs such as the Ford Bronco and Mercedes-Benz G-Class also have fatal crash rates twice the SUV average. Their off-road capabilities come with a higher risk of rollovers.
How do pickup trucks compare in fatal collision rates?
Larger trucks tend to protect occupants better than midsize models. However, the most dangerous trucks identified in the study include:
- Nissan Frontier – 5.0 (2.2x the truck average)
- Ford Ranger – 4.0 (1.7x)
- Chevrolet Colorado – 2.9 (1.3x)
- Toyota Tacoma – 2.8 (1.2x)
- Jeep Gladiator – 2.7 (1.2x)
Why do small cars have the highest fatal car accident rates?
Compact and subcompact cars have the highest fatal collision rate by size, at 3.6 per billion miles. In comparison, large vehicles have a rate of only 2.0. Physics plays a major role in crash survival. When two small cars collide, the forces tend to equalize, and both vehicles hold up relatively well. However, when a small car hits a full-size truck or SUV, the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the force.
What role does driver behavior play in these crashes?
Driver negligence is a significant contributor to fatal traffic accidents. According to the NHTSA, in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and an estimated 289,310 were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Additionally, speeding-related crashes accounted for a large portion of traffic fatalities.
The leading factors linked to driver negligence contribute to the rising fatal traffic accident rates include:
- Distracted driving: The increasing use of smartphones and in-car infotainment systems diverts drivers' attention and reduces reaction times.
- Speeding: Operating vehicles at excessive speeds not only increases the likelihood of crashes but also exacerbates their severity.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times, which leads to a higher risk of fatal crashes.
What legal options do I have after a car accident in Maine?
If you were injured in a crash or lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Maine, you have legal options for seeking compensation. Maine follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver responsible for the crash is liable for damages.
If you sustained an injury, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, if you lost a loved one, you may be eligible for a wrongful death claim, which compensates you for financial and emotional losses, funeral and burial expenses, and other damages relating to your loved one's death.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has been helping injured Mainers for decades. Whether you were hurt in a rear-end crash in Portland or a T-bone collision in Bangor, we are here to help. Our skilled attorneys handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit if necessary. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a crash can take, and we’re committed to getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our law firm offers legal representation to crash victims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. To find out how an experienced Maine car accident lawyer can help you, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
"Joe Bornstein's office took care of the paperwork that needed to be done. We didn't have to pay medical bills or keep them in a pile organized, they did that." - K.D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
