Modern vehicles are designed for safety and survivability to help drivers survive accidents. Unfortunately, these safety improvements are not enough to prevent all accidents. There are many fatal accidents every year, and the vehicle you drive can play an important role in whether you can survive a serious accident or not. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work with the families of accident victims to file wrongful death lawsuits and accident survivors to file personal injury lawsuits. Being in an accident can be devastating, but the type of vehicle you drive plays as much a role in your results as how you drive. 

Read on to see what you should know about choosing a vehicle and how it impacts your chances of being in and surviving a car accident. 

The Importance of Knowing Your Vehicle’s Safety Record

To be sold in the United States, every vehicle must be thoroughly tested by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to rate its safety. 

Each vehicle goes through multiple tests to be rated on different safety features and overall safety. The NHTSA also monitors accidents across the country to see which vehicles perform well and which are involved in many accidents.

When you buy a vehicle, it is essential to understand its safety record. You can look up a vehicle’s safety record from the NHTSA to find out if it has a long history of being in accidents and if those accidents are fatal. 

Knowing a vehicle’s safety record can show you how safe you may be. The age, design, and type of vehicle play a significant role in how likely you are to survive. For example, SUVs and pickup trucks have less than half the total number of fatal accidents as passenger vehicles [1]. 

The stats can even show which vehicle model has the highest chance of being in a deadly accident. All of this should be considered when you decide which car to buy. 

Overview of the Top 10 Deadliest Cars in Illinois

Illinois is known for having traffic issues, especially in Chicago, where the population and traffic density have outpaced roadway improvements. In 2023, Illinois had 1,144 fatal accidents. 

That’s an increase from years before 2021 but a slight decrease from a spike of 1,210 accidents in 2021 [2]. Insurance companies are also vested in knowing which vehicles are in more fatal accidents. 

Detailed Look at Each of the 10 Deadliest Cars

A list of the deadliest cars was created using data from the NHTSA [1]. Here are the cars that topped the list and what might make them so dangerous. 

1. Ford F-Series

The Ford F-series, including the F-150 and all other variants, is the most popular vehicle in the country. More than 900,000 were sold in 2018 when the study was conducted. The F-series was involved in 10,845 fatal accidents in the study. 

The F-series is involved in so many accidents and tops the list because it is such a popular vehicle series. If so many of them are on the road, they are statistically more likely to be in an accident. 

F-series trucks may be more difficult to drive than other types of vehicles. They are designed to be work trucks that people use for luxury and daily vehicles, not accounting for the higher height and blind spots this creates. 

Combined with a very powerful vehicle, many accidents are likely caused by irresponsible driving or loss of control after failing to adapt to road conditions. 

2. Chevrolet Silverado

Another truck at the top of the list is the Chevy Silverado, one of the largest pickup trucks on the road. A total of 585,581 Silverados were sold in 2018 and they were involved in 7,718 fatal accidents.

The height of the Silverado is likely a significant factor in its fatality level. Some models are up to 6.5 feet tall, making them one of the tallest vehicles you can buy without modifications. 

That also means it has a high center of gravity, making it easier to flip in an accident. No matter how strong a vehicle is, its weakest point is the top. Rollover accidents are more likely to be fatal. 

Having a tall ride height also means that seeing other cars that are shorter can be difficult, especially on the right side. Without an active camera or warning system assistance, Silverados are likely to be in more accidents because their blind spots are larger than those of other vehicles. 

3. Honda Accord

While trucks top the list of fatal vehicles, passenger vehicles like sedans have the highest number of fatal accidents by a wide margin. According to the study, the Honda Accord is the sedan with the most fatal accidents. 

Sedans are common because they are relatively small, easy to drive, and are widely considered the default design for cars. They work exceptionally well in cities with limited space and narrow roads. 

However, this also makes them more vulnerable to crashes. They are not as heavy or robust as other vehicles, leaving sedans to sustain more damage due to their less prominent safety features. 

4. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is also high on the list of passenger vehicles with fatal crashes. Interestingly, more Toyota Camrys were sold in 2018 than Honda Accords, but more Accords were in deadly accidents. 

This difference in fatalities could be due to differences in safety systems that respond to crashes, like airbags, and safety systems that prevent crashes. It is difficult to say for sure, but the data does suggest that the Toyota Camry is a safer option for city driving than the Honda Accord. 

When driving in Chicago, those slight differences may be what it takes to avoid crashes. Toyota pioneered crash avoidance systems, which may account for some of the differences. The rest is likely due to differences in driving patterns. You need to be a defensive driver in a city like Chicago, no matter what vehicle you drive. 

5. Ram Pickup

The Ram Pickup is another large truck that made the fatal crashes list. However, it is also the vehicle with the least fatalities per crash. In fact, less than half of the accidents involving a Ram Pickup lead to a fatality. 

This could be for several reasons, including that it had better safety features than other vehicles at the time. It was equipped with a complete set of airbags, and the beams holding the roof were heavily reinforced to protect against rollover accidents. 

Combined with being a large and powerful truck, it might have been able to take more damage before failing and leading to a fatality. 

Another possible influence is the difference between urban and rural crashes. Urban crashes happen in cities and developed areas where there are more obstacles to hit. Because of their environment, urban crashes are likely to lead to more fatalities. 

Rural accidents are more likely to be single-vehicle collisions with objects around roadways, like trees or ditches. While still serious, these accidents may be less likely to cause critical damage to a vehicle, resulting in a fatality. 

6. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the most popular vehicles available. It is a compact sedan designed for urban driving and is packed with safety features. However, being a compact vehicle comes with added risks. 

Compact sedans are among the smallest vehicles on the road, which means they are naturally more vulnerable than larger vehicles. They are also harder to see, especially when maneuvering through dense traffic. Drivers of compact vehicles may also feel they can take more risks since their vehicles are lighter and more agile than other options. 

Unfortunately, the Honda Civic is among the most dangerous cars. The study showed that there were 4,397 fatal accidents involving Honda Civics. If you drive one, it’s essential to be more cautious in places like Chicago since traffic is often very congested. 

7. Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corollas are among the best sedans to drive if you are in an accident. They have high safety test ratings for crash tests and crash prevention systems. However, since the early 2000s, Corollas have had problems with their safety equipment. 

Airbag recalls, for example, have made drivers doubt their safety. These problems may contribute to the high fatality rate. 

8. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV option both in and out of cities. One of the problems with SUVs is that cities are generally not designed for such large vehicles. This makes it more likely that you could be in an accident in an SUV if you are not careful. 

It is important to note that SUVs tend to rate highly in crash tests and safety ratings because of their larger size and upgraded safety features. 

The Ford Explorer has faced several safety issues throughout its extensive redesign process. From faulty bolts to problems with trim coming loose, these issues can pose a significant threat to drivers. 

Ford, in general, has minor problems with many of its models. While not immediately life-threatening, a series of small defects can lead to more significant issues and crashes. This is why Ford voluntarily recalls vehicles regularly. 

9. Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima has been a steady part of the automotive industry for decades. At different points in its history, it was treated as a mid-level and luxury sedan. Many people own and love them. 

Recent versions achieved the highest possible ratings in crash safety tests. However, it is still high on the list of fatal vehicles because there were years when it had notable issues. 

In the early 2000s, Altimas had engine failure problems. Several other issues led review sites to recommend avoiding Altimas altogether. That sentiment has largely been reversed through Nissan’s efforts to turn the Altima back into reputable options, including outfitting it with driver-assist technologies to help drivers avoid accidents. 

Systems like blind-spot monitoring and braking assist can be a leading reason so many Altimas were sold. In the study, 3,267 Altimas were involved in a fatal crash. With 209,146 Altimas sold in 2018 and similar sales performance before and after, it is easy to see why the number of crashes can be so high. 

10. GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra is another large pickup on this list. Because of its size, driving a Sierra in Chicago can be difficult. Many parts of the city are simply not designed for a vehicle that is so large. This can lead to more single-vehicle accidents and more multi-vehicle accidents due to issues with blind spots and difficulty maneuvering in dense traffic. 

The GMC Sierra saw strong sales in 2018, which was on par with some other vehicles that made this list. Unfortunately, nearly half of all Sierra accidents resulted in a fatality. This suggests the Sierra needs better safety features to help prevent them. 

Why These Vehicles Are Predominant in Fatal Crashes

Many different factors contribute to the high fatality rate in these models. Researchers have found that, in general, larger vehicles do more damage to other vehicles and people than smaller vehicles. However, smaller vehicles fail to provide passengers the same level of protection as larger vehicles.

Price is also a factor. Statistically, luxury cars are much safer than less expensive cars. Many safety features come standard in luxury models that would need to be paid for as an upgrade in more economical ones.

Another important factor is driver behavior. Drivers of muscle cars are much more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents due to behaviors like speeding and driving recklessly than other vehicles that haven’t been branded as racing or performance cars [3]. 

It is possible that some truck and large SUV drivers feel safer in their larger vehicles and may make different, more dangerous decisions on the road based on that bias.

Tips for Chicago Drivers

The first and most important step you can take when it comes to your safety on the road is to choose a safe vehicle. Not all vehicles fare as well when it comes to accidents. 

You can rely on nhtsa.gov/ratings and iihs.org/ratings to compare objective third-party safety ratings for the vehicles you are seriously considering buying. You can use these tools to compare new and used vehicles’ ratings and safety features.

If you buy a new vehicle from a dealership, you can look at the window sticker for each vehicle. This can vary between different models and editions of the same vehicle. This can give you an idea of how well the vehicle performs in different safety tests and compare this information against the other vehicles you look at. 

Defensive driving is a way of driving that prioritizes your safety and proactively prevents accidents rather than reacting to them. You can enroll in a defensive driving course in Chicago to learn more about these tactics and how to implement them into your daily driving practices. 

By taking a defensive driving class, you may also be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance policy.

The Bottom Line

The next time you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, make safety your priority. 

Choose vehicle models with top safety ratings, new safety technology, and better crash test ratings to give yourself the best chance of surviving a car accident with the fewest injuries possible. Few other features a vehicle can offer are more important than its ability to keep you and your family safe.

If you are injured in a car accident, it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757.

Resources: [1] Value Penguin, [2] Illinois Fatal Crash Historic Data, [3] IIHS

Navigating Risk: Illinois’ Most Dangerous Vehicles and What It Means for Safety Standards

Not all vehicles offer the same amount of protection for drivers and passengers. As a result, you are much more likely to die or suffer serious injuries in an accident in a less safe vehicle than if you drove a safer one. This means that by simply purchasing a safer vehicle, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a fatal accident.

Most Dangerous Vehicles in Illinois

The most dangerous vehicles in the United States in terms of fatalities are [1]:

• Ford F-Series
• Chevy Silverado
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry
• Ram Pickup
• Honda Civic
• Toyota Corolla
• Ford Explorer
• Nissan Altima
• GMC Sierra
• Chevrolet Impala
• Ford Ranger
• Chevrolet Malibu
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Ford Focus
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Ford Mustang
• Ford Taurus

Key Insights About the Most Dangerous Vehicles in Illinois

By looking at the crash data,  it is possible to gather some insights into what makes these vehicles the most dangerous. Some key factors to consider:

Number of Vehicles on the Road

Some of the vehicles listed on the most dangerous vehicles list are some of the most common vehicles on the road. Their sheer popularity makes it incredibly likely that these models will be involved in many accidents. 

If you were to look at data that accounts for the number of vehicles sold, this list would look slightly different because some of these vehicles are more dangerous because of their popularity and may move up or down a few spots based on that.

Vehicle Size

In general, a lot of research and data supports the fact that drivers and occupants of smaller vehicles, especially minicars, have higher fatality rates than those of larger vehicles. Smaller vehicles do not have the room for the same safety features and technology as larger vehicles. 

This isn’t to say that there aren’t fatalities to drivers and passengers of large trucks and SUVs. As the data demonstrates, the most dangerous vehicle in the United States in terms of the number of fatalities is a pickup truck.

Economy vs. Luxury

The majority of the vehicles listed as the most deadly are sold as economy cars. No true luxury brand made the list. This comes down to several rather unfortunate factors. First, luxury vehicles come with many safety features that are not available at all or only available at the highest trim levels for economy cars. Most people do not purchase these upgrades to save money. When it comes to being in an accident, not having access to top safety features might put these drivers at a higher level of risk.

Second, there is an argument to be made about the quality of design, craftsmanship, and materials used. In most situations, the differences in material choice probably don’t matter much. However, in a serious car accident, this could make a difference in the extent and severity of your injuries.

Muscle Cars

While only the Ford Mustang made the top 15 deadliest vehicles list in the United States, muscle cars usually have a significant representation in the overall number of fatalities. Generally, muscle cars are smaller. For the same reasons that smaller cars tend to be more dangerous, muscle cars are more dangerous. 

However, there is another important factor at play when it comes to the dangers associated with muscle cars: the way that they are advertised, the amount of horsepower, and the racing stripes, spoilers, and designs. Many drivers buy muscle cars to speed and drive more aggressively, which can make these models more likely to be involved in fatal accidents.

American vs. Imports

More than 60% of the most dangerous vehicles in the United States are American-made vehicles. We can speculate as to why this is the case. The American brands that made the list are more economy brands than luxury brands. 

However, it isn’t because more American-made vehicles are driven in the United States than imports. Only 44.8% of Americans drive American-made vehicles, though this percentage varies widely from state to state. In Illinois, 47.7% of drivers choose American-made cars [2].

Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Chicago

Unfortunately, many people will die and face serious injuries as a result of car accidents in Chicago each year. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what happened and your legal options for recourse.

We also serve clients from Champaign, Evanston, Peoria , Springfield  and throughout Illinois.

Resources: [1] Value Penguin, [2] PowerNation TV