When purchasing a new or used car, safety is often a top concern. No one wants to end up in an accident, especially one that could have been avoided by choosing a safer vehicle. While there are many factors that contribute to a car’s safety, some models tend to get into more accidents than others. Understanding which cars are more accident prone can help guide consumers towards safer options.
In this article, we will examine data on accident rates for different vehicle makes and models. Key factors that impact a car’s accident risk will be explored, including size, weight, handling, crash test ratings, and advanced safety features. By looking at insurance industry data and studies on accident frequency, we can get a clear picture of which vehicles are most and least likely to get into crashes. This information should prove valuable to car shoppers who prioritize safety.
Examining Accident Data by Make and Model
Large datasets on insurance claims provide insight into real-world accident patterns for different vehicles. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) collects and analyzes such data to identify loss claims patterns. Its findings point to some clear differences in accident frequency between makes and models.
According to the most recent HLDI data, some of the vehicles with the highest accident claim rates are:
| Make/Model | Collision Claim Frequency |
| Mitsubishi Mirage | 15.7% higher than average |
| Chevy Corvette | 10.8% higher than average |
| Chevy Spark | 9.6% higher than average |
| Hyundai Accent | 8.6% higher than average |
| Nissan Versa Sedan | 7.9% higher than average |
On the other end of the spectrum, vehicles with the lowest accident claim rates include:
| Make/Model | Collision Claim Frequency |
| Subaru Legacy | 29.8% lower than average |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 26.6% lower than average |
| Honda Odyssey | 24.6% lower than average |
| Audi Q3 | 23.1% lower than average |
| BMW 3 Series | 20.5% lower than average |
These statistics demonstrate sizable differences in accident rates between vehicle models. Small cars and sporty models tend to have more frequent claims, while larger vehicles and luxury brands are generally safer. However, there are exceptions in both directions. Let’s explore why certain vehicles tend to get into more accidents.
Key Factors That Impact Accident Rates
Many characteristics can contribute to a vehicle’s accident susceptibility. Here are some of the most significant factors:
Vehicle Size and Weight
Heavier vehicles with ample size fare better in accidents, according to physics. Their mass helps them resist collision forces and protects occupants. Small, light cars offer less protection. Large vehicles like SUVs also tend to have a visibility advantage over lower riding cars, allowing their drivers to better anticipate hazards.
Handling and Stability
Vehicles with agile handling reflexes and advanced stability control systems can better avoid accidents in the first place. Models with top class brakes, cornering grip, and accident avoidance technology lower collision risk. High centers of gravity in trucks and SUVs can negatively impact stability.
Crash Test Ratings
Vehicles that perform well in crash tests are engineered to better protect occupants when accidents do occur. Top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicate higher crashworthiness.
Vehicle Class
Sports cars have elevated accident rates partially due to their high-performance capabilities enticing risky driving. Compact cars and economy models also tend to have more accidents, linked to their light-weight designs. Heavier truck and SUV classes outperform most cars in accidents.
Driver Demographics
Insurance data shows driver age and gender affect accident likelihood. Young male drivers have especially high collision rates, which brings down averages for models popular with this demographic. Family-oriented vehicles tend to have fewer accidents.
Safety Features
Vehicles equipped with advanced accident prevention technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist are proven to get into fewer crashes. Features like airbags and adaptive headlights also boost occupant protection. New safety tech adoption lags among economy models.
These factors all contribute to real-world differences in accident rates between different vehicle makes and models. Understanding them helps explain why the highest and lowest risk vehicles on the road differ significantly.
Takeaways for Consumers
For car shoppers concerned with safety, accident data offers valuable guidance. Models with a demonstrated track record of fewer accidents and insurance claims provide more protection. However, many other attributes beyond safety also influence automobile purchases. Consumers should weigh priorities like affordability, performance, versatility, and reliability along with safety.
Vehicle size and weight provide a baseline indicator of collision protection. Large vehicles, such as truck and SUVs, have inherent safety advantages over smaller compact and subcompact models based on physics. Newer vehicles also tend to be safer, due to evolving technology and design improvements.
Crash test ratings from reputable organizations are another key benchmark to compare vehicles by. Models with top NHTSA and IIHS ratings demonstrate better impact protection and accident avoidance abilities. Brands known for safety leadership, like Volvo and Subaru, are desirable choices.
Incorporating safety technology like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control is also advisable. Models offering the latest advanced driver aids are proven to get into fewer accidents. Prioritizing safety does not have to mean compromising on other vehicle attributes that also matter to consumers. With prudent selection, drivers can find a model with a low accident risk that meets their needs.
Conclusion
While driving ability and road conditions contribute greatly to accident risk, vehicle choice also matters. Models with inferior safety characteristics, lightweight designs, and high-risk driver popularity experience elevated accident rates. Comprehensively evaluating accident frequency, crashworthiness, advanced safety technology adoption, and overall safety reputation allows consumers to identify vehicles with lower collision risk. Vehicles like crossovers and SUVs from Subaru, Honda, Audi and BMW tend to have relatively low accident frequencies. Drivers who prioritize safety are wise to consider vehicle accident rates and safety credentials as a key part of the car selection process. Choosing a model with proven accident avoidance abilities provides peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.
