Fatal car accidents continue to rise in the U.S. despite major advancements in vehicle safety. In Washington State alone, traffic fatalities increased from 743 in 2022 to 809 in 2023. Modern cars come equipped with advanced driver-assist systems, better crash structures, and enhanced safety features, yet some vehicles still have disproportionately high fatality rates. While driver behavior plays a role in serious and fatal car accidents, the design, size, and performance of certain cars make them inherently more dangerous than others.
Understanding which vehicles pose the highest risks can help drivers make safer choices. Some cars, especially smaller ones, have higher fatality rates due to their limited crash protection. High-performance sports cars also see a large number of deadly crashes because of their speed capabilities. Even some SUVs and trucks, which are often considered safer, contribute to significant numbers of fatal accidents due to rollovers and driver overconfidence.
What are the five most dangerous cars in America?
Recent data from iSeeCars reveals that five vehicles have the highest fatal accident rates per billion miles driven.
- Hyundai Venue: This small SUV has the highest fatal accident rate at 13.9 deaths per billion miles.
- Chevrolet Corvette: A powerful sports car with a 13.6 fatal accident rate, the Corvette’s high performance is impressive but may not be the safest choice for inexperienced drivers.
- Mitsubishi Mirage: This budget-friendly compact car has an identical 13.6 fatal crash rate.
- Porsche 911: Another high-performance vehicle, the Porsche 911, has a 13.2 fatality rate.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: Surprisingly, this popular SUV also has a 13.2 fatal accident rate.
What are the most dangerous car brands?
According to the article, certain car brands also consistently appear in fatal crash reports more than others.
- Tesla
- Kia
- Buick
- Dodge
- Hyundai
Why do Tesla models appear on the list despite advanced safety features?
Tesla vehicles consistently receive top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, yet according to the article they still rank among the most dangerous cars regarding fatal car accident rates. The article does not pinpoint exactly why this is but offers several theories, including:
- Driver overreliance on automation: Driver aids and other automated systems may give some drivers a false sense of security, leading to inattentive driving.
- High-speed crashes: Electric vehicles, including Teslas, deliver instant acceleration. It appears that some electric vehicle crashes may involve excessive speed, which can reduce the effectiveness of crash safety features.
- Distracted driving: Many electric vehicles have a large touchscreen interface that requires drivers to interact with it frequently, potentially contributing to more collisions.
Are small cars riskier than larger vehicles?
According to the statistics published in the iSeeCars article, smaller cars have higher fatality rates than larger ones. According to their data, compact and subcompact cars have a fatality rate of 3.6 per billion miles, higher than midsize and full-size vehicles. The reason for this most likely comes down to physics. In a crash, larger, heavier vehicles may provide better protection to occupants. Small cars may also lack the structural mass needed to withstand high-speed collisions, which makes them more vulnerable in multi-vehicle crashes.
What are the risks of SUVs and trucks?
Many assume that SUVs and trucks are inherently safer due to their size and height. While larger vehicles can provide better crash protection than small cars, they can also introduce other risks, such as rollovers. That's because their size and weight distribution can sometimes create unique dangers that drivers should be aware of. Taller vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more prone to rolling over, particularly in sharp turns or high-speed maneuvers. According to ISeeCars, the Ford Bronco and Mercedes-Benz G-Class both have higher-than-average rollover rates.
Some pickup trucks also rank high in fatal crash data. According to iSeeCars, the Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger have higher fatal accident rates than other trucks, possibly due to their lighter weight and less advanced safety features.
Injured in a crash in Washington? Count on Colin to protect your rights
If you were injured in a car accident in Washington State, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and the frustration of dealing with insurance companies that don’t have your best interests in mind. That's why The Scott Law Firm, PLLC is dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward. Whether you were injured in Vancouver, Clark County, or anywhere in Southwest Washington, we are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
We thoroughly investigate car accidents like yours and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. When the insurance companies try to shift the blame or downplay your injuries, we'll be ready to counter their tactics with indisputable facts. Our law firm also works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
The sooner you reach out to us, the better. Attorney Colin Scott offers a free consultation to review your case, answer your questions, and explain your potential options. To get started, contact us online or call us to schedule your free consultation.
"I had a great experience with Colin as my personal injury lawyer. He is professional, easy to work with, and very responsive-I was able to receive my settlement in a timely manner and [it] exceeded my expectations as well...thanks, Colin!" - Maggie, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐