According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 38,000 people in the U.S. died in car accidents in 2020.
In California, the number tops 3,558 — five times the national average. Driver error causes the majority of these car accidents.
However, the type of car a person drives is often responsible for whether they survive a crash. Read on to learn more about the most dangerous vehicles on the road.
If you have been involved in a car accident in California, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at Wells Call Injury Lawyers today.
Since the 1970s, there has been a decrease in car accident fatalities. This is due partly because cars are now safer, thanks to manufacturers following government safety rules.
However, during the pandemic, even though there were fewer accidents, more people died in car crashes.
So, when choosing a new car, it’s essential to consider how well it protects you in a crash, whether for yourself or a new driver. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that the highest rate of driver deaths is around 65 deaths per million registered vehicles.
The IIHS gathered data on crash deaths and the vehicles involved, including those with over 100,000 registrations. They determined the driver death rate by comparing it to the number of registered vehicles.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cars
No matter what car you drive, staying alert behind the wheel is your best bet for avoiding accidents.
Of course, some vehicles are more dangerous than others.
From poor body design to a lack of safety features, the cars that made the top 10 most dangerous vehicles list all share one thing: lower odds of surviving a crash.
One study, a 2021 investigation by Value Penguin, analyzed car crash data from the NHTSA between 2015 and 2020 to determine which car models were most often involved in fatal accidents.
Based on the NHTSA’s data, Value Penguin determined that the following are the most dangerous cars in America:
- Ford F-Series—fatal crashes: 10,845
- Chevrolet Silverado—fatal crashes: 7,718
- Honda Accord—fatal crashes: 5,079
- Toyota Camry—fatal crashes: 4,734
- Ram Pickup (all models)—fatal crashes: 4,734
- Honda Civic— fatal crashes: 4,397
- Toyota Corolla—fatal crashes: 3,430
- Ford Explorer—fatal crashes: 3,332
- Nissan Altima—fatal crashes: 3,267
- GMC Sierra—fatal crashes: 3,245
Of course, these vehicles are also incredibly popular, which is a factor that contributes to the overall number of crashes.
Other Most Dangerous Cars Considerations
While the previous section lists the most dangerous cars to drive because they are involved in the most fatalities, different factors contribute to those overall fatality numbers.
Some, like the Camry, are the top-selling sedans in the U.S., which mean there are more on the road.
While others, like the GMC, are considered among the most unreliable.
A car’s body type matters too. For instance, four-door sedans and light pick-up trucks are involved in the most fatal accidents yearly. And small and mini cars remain the most dangerous for drivers.
No matter what car you drive, motor vehicle crashes have been on the rise, especially now that people have returned to the road after the pandemic lockdowns.
If you’re looking to purchase a new or used vehicle, be sure to consider the vehicle’s history, recall status, and rating, as well as its price point.
Making an informed decision can help keep you and your family safe on the road.
Personal Injury Lawyers at Wells Call Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in an unsafe vehicle or due to someone’s negligence, contact the car accident lawyers at Well Call Injury Lawyers at 707-518-4783 for a consultation.
Voted the best law firm in Solano County, our personal injury attorneys focus exclusively on representing people who were seriously injured or victimized by the wrongful conduct of others.
Wells Call Injury Lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions for our clients. We have a strong track record of success and don’t charge fees unless you win.