Whether you’re buying used or brand new, purchasing a car can be an exciting time. Although, with so many makes and models to choose from, car shopping can often get overwhelming. In the midst of your confusion and stress about car buying, a car salesman swoops in and offers you an amazing deal. You don’t know much about the car, but they’ve “talked to their manager” about giving you a lower price, and now the price is right where you want it.
Convenient, right?
Before you sign on the dotted line, it is important to know which makes and models have a pattern of driver/passenger fatality in a collision, especially in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Research Triangle area. The car’s aesthetic and the latest electronics aren’t worth much if the car itself can’t save your and your passengers’ lives.
The Deadliest Vehicles on North Carolina Roads
According to a study conducted by iSeeCars, an independent automotive research firm, occupant fatalities from collisions occurs at a higher rate in some vehicles than others. The study highlighted the following cars as having the most frequent occupant fatalities in several of North Carolina’s largest metro areas:
- Greensboro / Winston-Salem – Honda CR-V
- Charlotte – Kia Forte
- Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville) – Cadillac XT5
On a national basis, the study identified car models with a fatal accident rate at least two times higher than the average car, with the five deadliest vehicles over four times the average. Small cars and performance cars rank prominently on this list, along with higher-profile SUVs that may have an increased chance of a rollover accident compared to lower-profile vehicles.
The Deadliest Cars in America
Across the U.S., the cars with the highest fatality rates per billion vehicle miles are:
The average fatality rate per billion vehicle miles was 2.8. iSeeCars Executive Analyst, Karl Brauer reported that new cars are safer than ever and claimed that “Between advanced chassis design, driver assist technology, and an array of airbags surrounding the driver, today’s car models provide excellent occupant protection. But these safety features are being countered by distracted driving and higher rates of speed, leading to rising accident and death rates in recent years.”
Methodology Behind the Vehicle Fatality Study
According to iSeeCars, in order for them to get to the numbers behind the deadliest cars in America, they used the following method of research and analysis:
“The results above came from a study of data from the US Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System as well as iSeeCars unique data. Only cars from 2018–2022 model years in crashes that resulted in occupant fatalities between 2017–2022 were included in the analysis. To adjust for exposure, the number of cars involved in a fatal crash were normalized by the total number of vehicle miles driven, which was estimated from iSeeCars’ data of over 8 million vehicles on the road in 2022 from model years 2018-2022. Heavy-duty trucks and vans, models not in production as of the 2024 model year, and low-volume models, and models with fewer than 20 crashes with occupant fatalities were removed from further analysis.”
Check out the full report from iSeeCars.
3 Quick Tips Before Buying a Car
- Research
When looking to buy a car, whether new or used, it’s imperative to thoroughly conduct research. One simple Google search will return websites and funded research, like iSeeCars, the NHTSA’s recalls page, Consumer Reports, and the Kelley Blue Book – among many, many others – which should help guide you to the best choice. Additionally, reading consumer reviews can make all the difference. Other consumers have valuable, honest information that car salesmen likely will not tell you.
- Test Drive
You should always test drive the car. Every car drives and handles differently. It is important that you purchase a car that you feel comfortable operating. Pay special attention to things such as the car’s blind spots that may hinder your driving ability.
- Second Opinion
When buying a used car, it is important to take the car to a trusted mechanic. A mechanic will be able to look in closer detail at the car to make sure that nothing is out of place. Taking this extra precaution may save you from buying an unsafe car that could possibly result in an accident.
How the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Can Help
A collision can change your life in the blink of an eye. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision, we can help take the stress and weight off your shoulders. Contact us or call the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin’s 24/7 team at 1-866-900-7078.
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