Are You Driving One of the Deadliest Vehicles?

When people go to buy new cars, what is one of the most important aspects of their search? Safety, of course. However, it can be hard to decipher and compare safety information between car brands; this leads many people to unknowingly purchase dangerous vehicles. Although the rate of drivers dying in fatal car crashes has fallen during the last three years, this issue should nonetheless be important to each and every driver.

Recently, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety conducted a study to find which vehicles are the deadliest to drivers. The IIHS conducted the study on 2011 models, although models as early as 2008 were included in the study if the vehicle design had not been changed significantly. The report qualified the top deadliest vehicles as those having at least 20 driver deaths per million of vehicles.

The following is a list of the top deadliest vehicles and the corresponding number of driver deaths per million of registered vehicles:

• Kia Rio: 149
• Nissan Versa Sedan: 130
• Hyundai Accent (4-door): 120
• Chevrolet Aveo (4-door): 99
• Hyundai Accent (2-door): 86
• Chevrolet Camaro: 80
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 4WD: 79
• Honda Civic (2-door): 76
• Nissan Versa Hatchback: 71
• Ford Focus (4-door): 70
• Nissan Cube: 66
• Chevrolet HHR: 61
• Chevrolet Suburban 1500 2WD: 60
• Chevrolet Aveo 5-Door: 58
• Mercury Grand Marquis: 57
• Jeep Patriot 2WD: 57
• Mazda Mazda6: 54
• Dodge Nitro 2WD: 51
• Honda Civic (4-door): 49

For the entire IIHS study, click here. Before buying a vehicle, you should consider the following safety features for maximum protection in the case of a car accident:

• Air bags: Choose a vehicle equipped with adaptive (dual-stage) front air bags, side air bags, and “side curtain” airbags. “Side curtain” airbags are the newest form of airbag and they prevent occupants from flying debris and from hitting their heads on the steering wheel or front consoles.
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS): ABS allows the driver to retain steering control when braking, which can help a driver maneuver to avoid an accident and come to a complete stop faster. It is especially important in bad weather conditions.
• Traction control: Limits the amount of wheel spinning that occurs, and is especially important when it is icy, rainy, or snowing. For even more control, choose a vehicle with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps keep a vehicle on its intended path during a slippery turn.
• Safety belt features: Choose a vehicle equipped with seat belt pretensioners, which instantly retract the belts to take up slack during frontal impacts, and force limiters, which limit the force placed on an occupant’s shoulders. Also look for adjustable upper shoulder anchors, which position the seatbelt correctly according to one’s height, and the LATCH system, which is important for keeping children safe in the car.
• Accident-avoidance systems: Look for vehicles with brake assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance braking systems, blind spot and lane departure warnings, pedestrian safety detection systems, active head restraints, and backup cameras.
• Tire pressure monitors: Low tire pressure issues can lead to tire blowouts; purchase a vehicle that alerts you when you have low tire pressure.
• Telematics: The newest in car safety technology, this consists of systems that combining cellular telephone and GPS technology. These systems can alert police or emergency aid with the touch of a button in the case of an accident.

Even with diverse and advanced safety features, it is still likely that in the case of a car accident, especially involving one of the vehicles above, that someone may be injured. Every state is different, but victims typically will be able to file a claim to recoup money damages and compensation for their pain and suffering.

At Goodman Acker P.C. we help Michigan car accident victims obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. If you, or someone you know, has been injured in a car accident in the State of Michigan, call our lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. With over 30 years of experience, our lawyers can provide the legal assistance you need to get the maximum compensation as possible. Call today at (248) 793-2010 to speak to an attorney today.