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Vehicle Safety Rankings: The Best and Worst on the Road examines how different cars, trucks, and SUVs perform in real-world accidents. The study analyzes crash data, safety ratings, and vehicle design to identify which models provide the most protection—and which come with higher risks.
This study provides clear, data-driven insights to help drivers make informed car-buying decisions. Vehicle design, safety features, and crash statistics all contribute to road safety. Read more to see which models stand out and why these findings matter.
Understanding the Numbers
Crash frequency and fatality rates provide a broad view of roadway dangers. We’ve analyzed data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to illustrate the impact of motor vehicle accidents:
- North Carolina (2023):
- 284,157 total crashes
- 115,009 injuries
- 1,686 fatalities
- Nationwide (2023):
- 40,990 motor vehicle fatalities
These numbers demonstrate the widespread impact of motor vehicle accidents and the need for both responsible driving habits and vehicle safety considerations when purchasing a car.
Safest Vehicles
Certain cars, trucks, and SUVs consistently rank higher in safety due to their reliability, crash protection, and overall performance. Our analysis includes iSeeCars’ study of 12 million vehicles, along with safety evaluations from NHTSA and IIHS, to determine the safest models.
In addition, our evaluation incorporates reliability, resale value, and safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS to determine the safest models on the road.
Top 5 Safe Models
Safety ratings clearly measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in a crash. Our evaluation considers factors such as reliability, resale value, and crash test results. Each vehicle is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of safety.
- 2021 Honda Accord (Midsize Sedan): 10/10
- 2022 Toyota Avalon (Large Sedan): 10/10
- Honda Passport (Midsize SUV): 10/10
- Ford Expedition (Large SUV): 10/10
- Ford F–150 (Pickup): 9.6/10
These ratings suggest that thoughtful design and dependable engineering can play a pivotal role in occupant protection during collisions.
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Most Dangerous Vehicle Brands
Not every automaker scores high in our analysis. Several popular brands fare worse when looking at fatal accident rates per billion miles driven.
Fatal Accident Statistics
Some vehicle brands have significantly higher fatal accident rates based on miles driven, and our findings highlight potential legal concerns regarding manufacturer responsibility, driver behavior, and the overall effectiveness of safety features in preventing fatal accidents. Our analysis of data reveals which brands have the most fatal crashes per billion miles traveled, highlighting safety concerns that could have legal implications.
- Tesla: 5.6 fatal accidents per billion miles
- Kia: 5.5 fatal accidents per billion miles
- Buick: 4.8 fatal accidents per billion miles
- Dodge: 4.4 fatal accidents per billion miles
- Hyundai: 3.9 fatal accidents per billion miles
These brands have also experienced frequent recalls due to issues such as engine damage, fire risks, and power steering failures, which further underscore their safety concerns.
When vehicles consistently rank high in fatal crashes and have frequent safety recalls, it’s important to examine whether manufacturing defects, inadequate safety features, or misleading marketing contribute to the risks. For example, Tesla’s high fatal accident rate raises concerns about the role of vehicle design, marketing, and overall driver behavior in these crashes.
These figures highlight why safety ratings, crash test results, and recall history should be considered when choosing a vehicle—and raise critical legal questions about manufacturer responsibility for recurring safety issues.
Driver Behavior
Advanced safety features help, but driver behavior is key to preventing accidents. Speeding, impaired driving, and distractions cause many fatal crashes, and some vehicle models may be involved in more high-speed accidents. Our analysis of NCDOT and national data shows similar trends:
- North Carolina (2023): 23% of fatal crashes involve speeding, 22% involve alcohol-impaired driving, and 7.3% involve distracted driving.
- Nationwide (2023): 29% of fatal crashes involve speeding, 32% involve drunk driving, and 7.8% involve distractions.
While North Carolina’s percentages are slightly lower, they follow national trends, highlighting the need for safer driving habits. Further analysis is needed to determine if certain car models, particularly those with high horsepower or sportier designs, are disproportionately involved in high-speed accidents.
If specific brands consistently appear in speeding-related crash reports, it could raise important questions about vehicle performance, marketing, and manufacturer responsibility.
Tips for Good Driving Behavior
Even the safest vehicles can’t prevent accidents caused by reckless or distracted driving. Small changes in driving habits can make a significant difference in reducing crashes and fatalities. Here are ways to stay safe on the road:
- Limit distractions: Put your phone away and turn off notifications.
- Never drive impaired: Arrange for a designated driver or use rideshare services.
- Respect speed limits: Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Speeding rarely makes a real difference.
- Maintain your vehicle: Regularly check your tires, brakes, and fluids. Stay updated on recalls and necessary repairs.
Safer roads start with responsible choices. By staying alert, following traffic laws, and keeping your vehicle in top condition, you can help prevent accidents and protect yourself and others.
Smart Choices for Safer Roads
Safe driving goes beyond vehicle choice. Staying informed, selecting reliable models, and following traffic laws, all play a role in preventing accidents.
By making informed choices—both in the vehicles we drive and the way we operate them—we can help reduce accidents and save lives. If you’ve been injured, a North Carolina car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.
