We talk a lot about the safest cars or electric vehicles with the longest range, but there is a whole world of automotive statistics with a decidedly darker theme. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently released list of vehicles in addition to the highest fatality rate in the 2020 model year, they found that cars with higher horsepower and on the smaller side of the spectrum were more likely to die in a crash.
The IIHS calculates fatality rates every three years and has done so since 1989. The latest study was the first to include calculations of the best and worst models. Of the 21 worst driver fatality rates, six were muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger. The two versions of the Mitsubishi Mirage had the highest fatality rates, while the BMW X3, Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class had the lowest.
The overall average of the latest study is 38 deaths per million registered vehicle-years. This is more than 36 in 2017 and only 28 in 2011.
The list of vehicles with the highest fatality rates includes:
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4: 205 deaths
- Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback: 183 deaths
- Dodge Challenger: 154 deaths
- Hyundai Accent: 152 deaths
- Chevrolet Spark: 151 deaths
- Kia Rio Sedan: 122 dead
- Dodge Charger Hemi 2WD: 118 deaths
- Chevy Camaro convertible: 113 deaths
- Nissan Altima: 113 deaths
- Kia Forte: 111 dead
Interestingly, the IIHS separated the number of mid-engine Dodge Chargers from the rest of the Charger lineup. Charger sedans with a V6 engine stand at 91. The Chevy Camaro hardtop’s 110 ratio isn’t far off from its droptop sibling. The Ford Mustang closes the American muscle coupe list with 97 units (specifically convertible Mustang models).
There is an interesting divide in the data presented by the IIHS. More people died in small cars, fewer people died in large cars, while larger vehicles generally died Other at a higher price than their smaller, lighter counterparts. The Ram 3500, Dodge Charger and Ford F-350 were worst at killing other drivers. The IIHS also noted that newer models are safer than their predecessors, so some of the crash safety may come from crashes between new cars and older models. However, some of the numbers come from aggressive driver behavior, as the IIHS points out that muscle cars’ placement on the list suggests owners aren’t the most responsible drivers on the road.
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