Are You Driving One of the Deadliest Vehicles?

• April 9, 2024
• Car Accidents
• Personal Injury

When people buy new cars, safety is one of the most critical aspects of their search. However, it can be hard to decipher and compare safety information between car brands, leading many people to purchase dangerous vehicles unknowingly. Although the rate fatal car crash deaths has fallen because of new safety features, this issue should nonetheless be important to every driver.

This blog discusses the deadliest vehicles involved in fatal accidents. If you get involved in an accident caused by a safety issue with your vehicle, our car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation from the manufacturer. Contact us at 248-286-8100 for a free case evaluation.

Why choose Goodman Acker, P.C. to represent you?

At Goodman Acker, P.C., we fight for the rights of injured victims and represent them in personal injury claims. We have done this for decades and have a winning track record and excellent client relationships. So, whether another driver or a manufacturer defect caused your accident, we will use our skills and experience to help you secure a favorable outcome.

Are you driving one of the deadliest cars?

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety studied which vehicles are the deadliest to drivers. The IIHS surveyed different car models. According to the organization, six of the 21 vehicles with the highest driver death rates for the 2020 model are variants of the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Ford Mustang, while eight others are small cars or minicars.  Eighteen of the 23 vehicles with the lowest driver death rates are minivans or SUVs, and 12 are luxury vehicles.

The cars included in the IIHS list have had at least 100,000 registered vehicle years of exposure from 2018 to 2021 and at least 20 deaths.

The following is a list of the deadliest vehicles, with deaths per million registered vehicle years, 2020 and equivalent earlier models, 2018-21:

Vehicle name	Vehicle type	Death rate
Mitsubishi Mirage G4	Minicar	205
Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback	Minicar	183
Dodge Challenger 2WD	Large car	154
Hyundai Accent	Mitsubishi	152
Chevrolet Spark	Mitsubishi	151
Kia Rio Sedan	Mitsubishi	122
Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD	Large car	118
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible	Large sports car	113
Nissan Altima	Midsize car	113
Kia Forte	Small car	111
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe	Large sports car	110
Chevrolet Sonic	Small car	107
Hyundai Elantra Sedan	Small car	103
Chrysler 300 4WD	Large car	100
Ford Mustang Convertible	Midsize sports car	97
Chevrolet Malibu	Midsize car	91
Dodge Charger 2WD	Large car	91
Chevrolet Trax 2WD	Small SUV	89
Ford EcoSport 2WD	Small SUV	84
Chevrolet Impala	Large car	80
Kia Optima	Midsize car	80

For the entire IIHS study, click here.

What safety features should you consider before buying a car?

Before buying a vehicle, you should consider the following safety features for maximum protection in the case of a car accident:

• Airbags: Choose a vehicle with adaptive (dual-stage) front airbags, side airbags, and “side curtain” airbags.


• 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.


• Safety belt features: Choose a vehicle equipped with seat belt pre-tensioners, 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.


• 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, so purchase a vehicle that alerts you when you have low tire pressure.

Were you involved in a car accident? We can help!

At Goodman Acker P.C., we help Michigan car accident victims obtain justice and fair compensation. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in Michigan, our lawyers will provide the legal assistance you need to get the maximum compensation possible. Call 248-286-8100 to speak to an attorney today.