RAM Pickup: A Heavy-Duty Threat
The RAM Pickup, which includes the 1500, 2500, and 3500 models, is another popular choice among American consumers. Known for its towing capacity and rugged design, the RAM Pickup is often used for heavy-duty tasks. However, its safety record is a cause for concern, with 5,897 fatal crashes from 2014 to 2018 and 0.43 occupants killed per vehicle in a fatal crash.
The size and weight of the RAM Pickup, similar to other trucks on this list, could contribute to its high number of fatal crashes. The truck’s use for towing and carrying heavy loads could also affect its handling and stability, increasing the risk of accidents. Despite these risks, the RAM Pickup remains popular, with 536,980 units sold in 2018.
Honda Civic: Compact Yet Deadly
The Honda Civic, a compact car known for its fuel efficiency and affordability, also makes today’s list with 3,497 fatal crashes from 2014 to 2018. Despite its smaller size compared to the trucks and sedans on this list, the Civic has a surprisingly high fatality rate per crash, with 0.70 occupants killed per vehicle in a fatal crash.
The Civic’s high fatality rate per crash could be due to its compact size, which offers less protection in the event of a collision. Additionally, the Civic is popular among younger drivers, who may be more prone to risky driving behaviors that can lead to accidents. Although the Civic has potential risks, it still managed to sell 325,760 units in 2018 and remains a top-selling car.
Toyota Corolla: A Global Favorite With Risks
The Toyota Corolla, a global bestseller known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, is another compact car with some alarming safety stats. With 3,430 fatal crashes from 2014 to 2018, the Corolla’s safety record is a cause for concern. Despite its reputation for durability, the Corolla has a relatively high fatality rate per crash, with 0.64 occupants killed per vehicle in a fatal crash.
The Corolla’s high fatality rate per crash could be due to its compact size, which offers less protection in the event of a collision. Additionally, the Corolla’s popularity, reflected in its 303,732 unit sales in 2018, means that a large number of drivers and passengers are potentially at risk.
Ford Explorer: Exploring The Dangers
The Ford Explorer, a popular SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities, surprisingly also finds its place in the top 10. With 3,332 fatal crashes from 2014 to 2018, the Explorer’s safety record is far from perfect. Despite its rugged design and safety features, the Explorer has a relatively high fatality rate per crash, with 0.61 occupants killed per vehicle in a fatal crash.
The Explorer’s size and weight could contribute to its high number of fatal crashes. SUVs like the Explorer have a higher center of gravity, which can increase the risk of rollovers. Additionally, the Explorer’s off-road capabilities could encourage riskier driving behaviors, which can lead to accidents. Although the Explorer poses certain risks, it remains highly sought-after, as evidenced by the sales of 261,571 units in 2018.
Nissan Altima: A Sedan With Safety Issues
The Nissan Altima, a comfortable and high-performance midsize sedan, had 3,267 fatal crashes between 2014 and 2018, indicating that its safety record is problematic. Though the Altima has advanced safety features, it has a relatively high fatality rate of 0.60 occupants killed per vehicle in each fatal crash. The Altima’s high fatality rate per crash suggests that there may be safety issues specific to this model.
While the Altima’s sales numbers (209,146 units in 2018) are lower than some of the other cars on this list, its high fatality rate per crash is a significant concern. As with the other cars on this list, further investigation would be needed to identify the specific issues contributing to the Altima’s safety record.
GMC Sierra: A Risky Ride
The GMC Sierra, a full-size pickup truck known for its power and versatility, rounds out the list. With 3,245 fatal crashes from 2014 to 2018, the Sierra’s safety record is far from perfect. Despite its rugged design and advanced safety features, the Sierra has a relatively high fatality rate per crash, with 0.48 occupants killed per vehicle in a fatal crash.
Due to its size and weight, which are comparable to other trucks on this list, the Sierra has a higher number of fatal crashes. Additionally, its handling and stability may be negatively affected by the truck’s use for towing and carrying heavy loads, which could further increase the likelihood of accidents. Nevertheless, the Sierra remains a popular choice, selling 219,554 units in 2018.
Be Mindful Of The Most Unsafe Cars On The Road!
While vehicle design and safety features play a significant role in preventing accidents, it’s clear that driver behavior and vehicle usage also contribute to a car’s safety record. The cars on this list, despite their popularity and positive attributes, have a higher-than-average fatality rate per crash. This suggests that further investigation is needed to identify the exact factors leading to these fatalities and how they can be mitigated in order to improve driver safety.
