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A recent study analyzes the impact of different vehicle sizes on traffic accidents and points out which is the least safe for drivers and passengers
Automotive safety has evolved significantly in recent decades, with advances in engineering and technology reducing fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents. However, recent studies indicate that not all vehicles offer the same level of protection.
According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a study of the iSeeCars.com, the last five years have seen a higher rate of fatal traffic accidents compared to the previous 12 years in the United States. Currently, the fatal accident rate is 2,8 per billion miles traveled, with certain types of vehicles showing even more worrying numbers.
Small cars: The most dangerous
A detailed analysis of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) revealed that small cars, including subcompacts and compacts, are the most prone to fatal traffic accidents.
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Despite being equipped with modern technologies such as driver assistance systems and advanced airbags, these vehicles suffer from disadvantages of size and weight, especially in collisions with larger vehicles. Traffic accident rates fatalities by car type:
- Small cars: 3,6 per billion miles.
- Medium cars: 2,5 per billion miles.
- Large cars: 2,0 per billion miles.
“It’s hard to beat physics, even with high-strength steel and airbags,” says Brauer, an automotive safety expert. He points out that in collisions between small cars and large vehicles, such as pickup trucks or SUVs, the outcome tends to be unfavorable for the smaller ones.
SUVs: Not always safe
Os SUVs, known for their larger frame and elevated seating position, generally offer greater protection in direct collisions. However, the high center of gravity of these vehicles makes them more prone to rollover accidents. When a rollover occurs, the chances of fatality increase significantly.
Among the SUVs analyzed, some models have fatal accident rates higher than the average of 2,2 per billion miles. Models such as the Ford Bronco and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, despite being larger and more robust, record worrying numbers, even surpassing the rate of carros small (3,6).
Trucks: Safety and Size
Like SUVs, trucks offer natural advantages in size, weight and height of passengers, which contribute to greater protection in collisions. This is reflected in fatal accident rates, where full-size trucks generally perform better compared to mid-size models.
The elevated seating position and robust structure allow trucks to better protect their occupants in collisions, especially against smaller vehicles. However, like any larger vehicle, trucks also have disadvantages, such as greater difficulty in maneuvering and, in some cases, a greater risk of rollover in extreme conditions.
The cars with the most fatal traffic accidents
The study also identified the models with the highest fatal accident rate between the 2018 to 2022 model years. Hyundai venue tops the list as the most dangerous car. Among the brands, Tesla stands out negatively, presenting the highest rate of fatal traffic accidents compared to other manufacturers.
Although technological advances have made vehicles safer, size and weight remain critical factors in traffic accidents. Small cars lead as the least safe due to the physical disadvantage in collisions. SUVs e trucks, although better protected in direct collisions, have the weak point of a high risk of rollover and challenges in maneuvers.
If safety is a priority when choosing a vehicle, opting for larger models, such as SUVs or full-size trucks, may be a safer choice. However, it is important to remember that driving responsibly and keeping your vehicle maintained are essential to minimizing risks, regardless of the type of car you choose.
