Recent advances in automotive safety technology have made many new vehicles safer than previous models.

However, analysis of driver fatality rates over the past few years by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has identified certain vehicles as more hazardous than others. The IIHS examined deaths per million registered vehicles from 2018-2021 for 2020 models. This data did not account for fault in crashes, so other drivers impacted the results. According to the IIHS statistics, the Dodge Challenger and Mitsubishi Mirage had the highest driver death rates. This article will discuss the top 5 most dangerous vehicles based on the comprehensive IIHS driver fatality data.

Mitsubishi Mirage - 205 deaths per million registered vehicles

With the highest driver death rate, the Mitsubishi Mirage tops the list of most dangerous vehicles. The subcompact Mirage lacks advanced safety features and earned poor crash test ratings from the IIHS. Its very small size makes occupants extremely vulnerable in any multi-vehicle crash.

Dodge Challenger - 154 deaths per million

The muscular Dodge Challenger coupe has a powerful engine but lacks modern driver assistance tech. Its rear-wheel drive performance configuration invites aggressive driving that often ends in fatal crashes.

Chevrolet Camaro - 110 deaths per million

The Camaro coupe and convertible versions offer thrilling performance but rank very high for deadly crashes. With agile handling but few safety features, the Camaro enables and encourages risky maneuvers.

Chevrolet Spark - 151 Deaths Per Million Registered Vehicles

The tiny subcompact Chevrolet Spark has almost no standard safety features and extremely poor crash protection. Its small size made occupants very susceptible to severe injuries, leading to its high fatality rate.

Nissan Altima - 113 Deaths Per Million Registered Vehicles

Despite being an average midsize sedan, the circa 2019 Nissan Altima still ranked surprisingly high for driver fatalities. As a relatively vanilla sedan, it is striking that the Altima placed so highly in deadly crashes.

Common Injuries

Depending on the specifics of a bad car accident, occupants can suffer a wide range of traumatic injuries. Some frequent grave injuries are broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, amputated limbs, and burn injuries. These often necessitate emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and extensive rehab. Victims may endure permanent disabilities, loss of income, and massive medical bills.

Consulting a Car Accident Attorney

After suffering any of these common injuries in an auto accident, it is advisable to promptly contact a car accident law firm. They can investigate fault, file insurance claims, and pursue compensation for expenses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If an insurance settlement is inadequate, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation. Hiring a qualified car accident attorney allows victims to focus on recovery while the lawyer handles the legal process.

The above data highlights which vehicles had the highest risk of driver fatalities in recent years. While no car can guarantee complete safety, choosing a vehicle with ample safety features and avoiding overly aggressive driving can help reduce the risk. For individuals affected by severe motor vehicle accidents, consulting an attorney is essential for obtaining compensation and achieving justice for their catastrophic injuries.