Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to safety. Some vehicle models are more crash-prone than others due to differences in design, size, safety features and driver demographics. For individuals involved in car accidents, especially those resulting in injuries, the type of vehicle involved can play a significant role in both the cause of the crash and the severity of the outcome.
Note that the safety concerns associated with certain models are distinct from those of unsafe drivers. Safe drivers can cause crashes due to issues with their vehicles, and particularly unsafe drivers could be spared from certain crash scenarios simply because their vehicles are particularly safety-conscious.
Common vehicle model concerns that lead to crashes
For starters, the size and weight of a vehicle can affect its risk of causing or otherwise being involved in a crash. Smaller, lighter vehicles often fare worse in collisions compared to larger SUVs or trucks. They may offer less protection during high-impact crashes and are more susceptible to being pushed or overturned in collisions. Conversely, while larger vehicles tend to protect their occupants better, they can also cause more damage to others on the road.
Vehicle design and safety technology also matter. Models with poor crash-test ratings, inadequate structural integrity or limited safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control are more likely to be involved in serious accidents. Vehicles that lack modern driver-assistance technologies—such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring or lane departure warnings—can also contribute to higher crash rates.
Finally, certain models have been identified in studies and insurance industry data as having higher-than-average crash frequencies. This can be due in part to the way they’re marketed and who typically drives them. For example, sports cars and high-performance models may be more crash-prone because they’re driven more aggressively. On the other hand, vehicles popular among younger, less experienced drivers might show higher accident rates due to driver behavior rather than the vehicle itself.