iSeeCars.com has conducted a study of model year 2013-2017 vehicles and the rate at which they are involved in fatal accidents. Using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the automotive research firm found that sports cars and subcompacts were especially deadly with fatal crash rates of, respectively, 4.6 and 4.5 cars per billion vehicle miles. Drivers in Georgia should know that iSeeCars.com compiled a list of the deadliest vehicles.
In this list of 14 vehicles, sports cars and subcompacts had six entries each. At the head was the subcompact Mitsubishi Mirage with a fatal crash rate of 10.2 cars per billion vehicle miles. The Chevrolet Corvette (9.8), Honda Fit (7.7) and Kia Forte (7.4) were next on the list. It ended with two vehicles, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Nissan Versa Note, with a rate of 5.2.
Subcompacts and sports cars are not known for having many active safety features. Most come with rearview cameras while the Honda Fit, for instance, added a passenger-side blind-spot monitoring system in 2015. The Chevrolet Spark (No. 5 on the list) has lane departure warning, forward collision warning and other systems. This lack of features may be contributing to the high fatal crash rates. Another factor may be the nature of sports cars, which are built for speed and quick acceleration.
Regardless of the vehicles they own, drivers are responsible for driving safely. If they fail through negligence and cause a crash, victims may be able to pursue a personal injury case. With legal representation, a victim may find it easier to strive for a fair settlement with the defendant’s auto insurance company. The settlement may wind up covering past and future medical expenses, lost wages, future lost income and pain and suffering.