When it comes to vehicle safety, there are many factors to consider. The type of car someone drives can play a significant role in their likelihood of getting into an accident. Some vehicles are simply more prone to accidents than others due to their design, size, performance capabilities, and other attributes. In this article, we will examine data and research to determine what types of cars are most frequently involved in accidents on US roads.
Pickup Trucks
Many studies and statistics show pickup trucks are disproportionately involved in fatal accidents compared to other passenger vehicles. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pickup trucks accounted for 33% of all occupant fatalities in multiple-vehicle crashes in 2012, despite only making up 13% of registered vehicles in the US. The high prevalence of pickup truck accidents stems from factors like:
- High centers of gravity – Pickups ride taller than regular cars, increasing rollover risk
- Poor visibility – Their height creates blindspots around the truck
- Less stability – Especially when not hauling cargo in the bed
- Aggressive driving – Pickup drivers speed and tailgate more often
Additionally, when pickups do crash with smaller vehicles, the damage and fatalities are more likely to be incurred by the occupants of the smaller vehicle. The lighter car underneath the truck absorbs the majority of the impact force. According to the IIHS, 70% of deaths in pickup vs car crashes were occupants of the car.
Sports Cars
Sports cars are another vehicle type with higher than average accident rates. Their powerful engines allow them to reach very high speeds, while their stiff suspensions and responsive steering enable sharp handling. However, many drivers cannot safely control these performance capabilities. The IIHS reports that speed is a contributing factor in nearly 30% of all fatal crashes, demonstrating the danger of high horsepower vehicles. Sports cars also have risks including:
- Poor visibility – Their low rooflines and seating positions reduce outward views
- Lightweight – Less mass means reduced crash protection
- Overconfidence – Sports car drivers are more likely to take risks
- Limited traction – High power can overcome the grip limits of the tires
Furthermore, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that the driver death rate for sports cars is 27% higher than for other cars. Their tempting performance clearly comes with increased accident risk.
SUVs
SUVs have grown tremendously in popularity over the last 20 years, but they also come with safety downsides. Statistics show SUVs are more likely than regular cars to roll over in crashes due to their elevated center of gravity. Rollover crashes are especially dangerous since occupants can be ejected from the vehicle more easily. Some key SUV risk factors include:
- Narrow track width – Leads to tipping during maneuvers
- Soft suspension – Allows significant body roll
- Heavy weight – Increases crash energy
- 4×4 Capability – Promotes off-road usage
SUVs are also at greater risk of striking pedestrians due to their elevated hood heights. When evaluating all types of crashes, the IIHS calculates the driver death rate for SUVs is 11% higher compared to cars. Their size and mass does provide safety benefits for occupants, but the risks for other road users are increased.
Which Cars Cause the Most Accidents Overall?
Now that we’ve examined some of the vehicle types prone to higher accident rates, which one is the most dangerous overall? While many factors influence accident likelihood for individual models, we can look at insurance industry data regarding accident frequency to identify the broad vehicle categories that cause the most claims. According to 2021 data compiled by MoneyGeek using information from State Farm insurance:
| Vehicle Type | Accidents per 1,000 vehicles |
|---|---|
| Pickup trucks | 223 |
| SUVs | 200 |
| Sports cars | 191 |
| Sedans | 169 |
| Minivans | 115 |
This data shows pickup trucks had the highest accident claim frequency, followed by SUVs and sports cars. Sedans and minivans had substantially lower accident rates. The elevated ride height and added weight of trucks and SUVs appear to outweigh the performance risks of sports cars when tallying overall accidents. There are always individual exceptions, but statistically pickups are the vehicle type most likely to get into crashes.
Other Accident Factors
While the type of vehicle driven impacts accident likelihood, there are many additional contributing factors as well. Some other key considerations include:
- Driver age – Teenagers and elderly have much higher accident rates
- Alcohol impairment – Around 30% of fatal crashes involve an intoxicated driver
- Distraction – Cell phones and other activities that take eyes off the road
- Speeding – Higher speeds leave less time to react and increase crash energy
- Weather conditions – Rain, snow, and ice reduce vehicle control
- Mechanical failure – Tire blowouts, stuck throttles, brake issues etc
Ensuring your car is well-maintained and practicing safe, attentive driving technique are very important for accident prevention regardless of vehicle type. But driving a safe car with lower accident risk can provide an extra degree of protection.
Safest Vehicle Choices
If you prioritize safety when selecting a new car, which models should you consider and which should you avoid? Here are some of today’s top-rated safety choices in various vehicle categories:
- Small cars: Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, Mazda 3
- Family cars: Subaru Outback, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
- Luxury cars: Volvo S90, Mercedes E-Class, Tesla Model 3
- SUVs: Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Palisade
- Minivans: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica
These models all score very well in crash tests and occupant protection evaluations performed by the NHTSA and IIHS. Many come standard with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. On the other hand, some vehicles that are best avoided due to poor safety ratings and high accident rates include:
- Ford Mustang
- Dodge Charger
- Nissan Versa
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ram 2500
While no car can guarantee you won’t get into an accident, choosing a safe, well-engineered model can help minimize the risks. Consider both statistics and safety ratings when selecting your next vehicle.
Conclusion
Examining data on accident frequency, severity, and contributing factors reveals pickup trucks cause the most accidents overall out of major vehicle types. Their size, weight, and elevated ride height contribute to rollover and compatibility risks with cars. Sports cars and SUVs also have above average accident rates due to factors like performance capabilities and instability. However, a car’s accident likelihood depends greatly on the driving habits of its owner. Practicing safe driving technique in a highly-rated safety model provides the best protection against crashes. While no car is accident proof, making informed choices helps reduce risks.