6 of the Deadliest Cars on the Road Today
The automotive industry has come a long way in terms of safety in recent years. Vehicles have to pass rigorous testing before they are allowed to hit the road. That said, there are some cars that are unfortunately still known for their high death tolls. Here are six of the deadliest cars on the road today and what makes them so dangerous.
6. Dodge Charger HEMI
The Dodge Charger HEMI is a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts, but its high-performance nature can be a double-edged sword. Its powerful V8 engine encourages aggressive driving, which often leads to high-speed accidents. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data shows that the Charger has a higher-than-average fatality rate, especially in single-vehicle crashes. It reported that the Charger had 118 deaths per 1 million registered cars. Its rear-wheel-drive setup can make it difficult to control in slippery conditions, further increasing the risk for inexperienced drivers. While it scores decently in crash tests, its overall size and weight can make it dangerous for smaller cars on the road.
5. Kia Rio
Kia is often a popular choice for people wanting to find a car on a budget. However, it comes with serious safety trade-offs. In crash tests, the Rio has struggled to offer sufficient protection, particularly in side-impact collisions. Due to its small size and lightweight frame, it’s at a disadvantage in accidents involving larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks. Additionally, its lack of advanced safety features in older models leaves drivers and passengers vulnerable. The IIHS reported that it had about 122 deaths per million over the last 10 years.
4. Chevrolet Spark
Chevy has some great cars, but the Spark is one of the deadliest on the road. Its compact size and light frame make it particularly dangerous in multi-vehicle collisions, where it absorbs much of the impact. While it’s marketed as an affordable and fuel-efficient city car, the Spark’s crash-test ratings from IIHS show significant room for improvement with 151 deaths per million registered vehicles. The absence of advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking in base models further amplifies the risk.
3. Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is another budget-friendly vehicle that comes with hidden safety risks. Its crash-test ratings have historically lagged behind more expensive compact cars, with particular weaknesses in side and rear-impact protection. The small size of the Accent means drivers have less structural protection in accidents involving larger vehicles. IIHS reports showed that there were 152 deaths per million over the last 10 years in the Accent. Older models also lack modern driver-assistance features that could help prevent accidents in the first place. While the Accent is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, its safety compromises make it a less-than-ideal choice for families or frequent highway travelers.
2. Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is undeniably stylish, but its combination of power and bulk makes it a risky choice for many drivers. With high horsepower engines and a rear-wheel-drive layout, the Challenger is prone to losing traction, especially in bad weather. IIHS data reveals that the Challenger has a higher rate of fatal crashes compared to other muscle cars in its class (154 deaths per million). Its size and weight can also make it a danger to smaller cars in a collision. While its crash-test ratings are respectable, the Challenger’s high accident rate often stems from driver overconfidence and reckless behavior.
1. Mitsubishi Mirage
Topping the list with 205 deaths per million registered vehicles is the Mitsubishi Mirage. Its subpar crash-test ratings and lack of advanced safety technology make it a risky choice for drivers and passengers alike. The Mirage’s small size and lightweight build provide minimal protection in severe accidents, particularly on highways. While it’s marketed as an economical city car, its higher-than-average fatality rates highlight its vulnerabilities in real-world conditions. Drivers of the Mirage are also at greater risk of rollover crashes, which can be catastrophic.
Safety Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
At the end of the day, your safety is never worth what you’ll save buying a car (or how cool you’ll look driving it). Some of these cars might be appealing due to their affordability, style, or performance. However, each one of them comes with their own risks. When you are shopping for a new car, look for vehicles with strong safety scores and read reviews from people who have purchased them. The best car will be one that is reliable and safe.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.