Report Reveals Deadliest Types of Cars and Trucks on U.S Roads in 2023

An increasing number of cars and trucks on Indiana’s highways are equipped with the latest in safety innovation, however, the Hoosier state continues to see large numbers of fatal accidents.

Specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 895 fatal automobile accidents in Indiana for 2023.

According to attorney Matt Boulton, the primary cause of wrongful death accidents continues to involve the usual suspects:

• Speed
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence

And while these behaviors dominate police reports and attorney investigations, there are also a number of ancillary relationships tied to fatal automobile accidents, such as vehicle size.

For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently published a surprising detail related to fatal accidents throughout the U.S.: type(s) of vehicles involved in deadly crashes.

10 Deadliest Vehicle Makes & Models on U.S. Roads for Other Vehicles

In addition to its traditional list of ‘deadliest vehicles,’ IIHS performed a new type of calculation in 2023; one tasked with identifying the most dangerous car and truck models according to the number of other people killed in collisions with them.

To help create its list of ‘deadliest vehicles on the road,’ IIHS totaled an estimated number of deaths per million registered cars and trucks for 2020 models and 2018-2021 equivalents.

According to IIHS calculations, the top-10 deadliest vehicles in terms of other-driver deaths in 2023 were:

• Ram 3500 Crew Cab long bed 4WD: 189
• Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD: 164
• Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4WD: 147
• Ram 2500 Mega Cab 4WD: 145
• Kia Optima: 134
• Kia Rio sedan: 133
• Ram 2500 Crew Cab short bed 4WD: 122
• Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD: 120
• Dodge Charger 2WD: 105
• Ram 1500 Crew Cab short bed 2WD: 104

Unsurprisingly, the list is comprised of larger trucks. The mere size and overall weight of these vehicles represents a threat to anyone who may be involved in a collision with them.

According to attorney Boulton, it’s not uncommon to see his car accident clients sustain injury from an automobile accident in which one of the other vehicles involved was a pickup truck and/or larger SUV.

“Trucks remain a popular choice for Hoosiers. And while the majority of pickup truck drivers on our roads are responsible, it doesn’t take away from the dangers associated with the vehicle’s size, especially as manufacturers continue to produce larger versions.”

Attorney Matt Boulton

Of course, attorney Boulton also investigates fatal collisions involving drivers who are killed while operating their own vehicle, and these accidents often involve mid-size cars and smaller vehicles, such as minicars.

Top 10 Deadliest Vehicles for Their Own Drivers in 2023

Traditionally, the IIHS has kept data on the deadliest vehicles involving the fatality of its driver. In 2023, the following vehicles were listed as the deadliest for its own driver:

• Mitsubishi Mirage G4: 205
• Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback: 183
• Dodge Challenger 2WD: 154
• Hyundai Accent: 152
• Chevrolet Spark: 151
• Kia Rio sedan: 122
• Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD: 118
• Chevrolet Camaro convertible: 113
• Nissan Altima: 113
• Kia Forte: 111

Without knowing the facts surrounding each crash, it’s irresponsible to say the smaller sizes of these vehicles are the primary factor, however, the data does seem to suggest a heightened risk associated with these smaller automobiles.

Overview of IIHS’s Most Dangerous Vehicles on U.S. Roads

A quick review of the IIHS data involving various types of dangerous vehicles tells us that large pick-up trucks and mid-size SUVs are more likely to present a fatal risk for the drivers and passengers of other vehicles than they are for their own drivers.

Another takeaway involves “muscle cars,” as they found their way to being ranked on the list of most dangerous vehicles involving other driver deaths. Despite being smaller than a truck or SUV, the mixture of speed and potential for driver irresponsibility increases the odds of a fatal accident.

Lastly, IIHS data found the deadliest vehicles to include the smaller cars, especially the minicars.

Crash dynamics are largely dictated by physics, and given the small frames of vehicles like minicars, it’s no surprise that the drivers and occupants of these vehicles are involved in a leading number of serious and fatal accidents.

Which Vehicles Were Found Safest in 2023?

For those wondering which vehicles statistically offer better odds at not being involved in a fatal accident, the IIHS also calculated the safest motor vehicles based on driver death rate.

The top 10 safest vehicles in 2023 were:

BMW X3 4WD: 0
Lexus ES 350: 0
Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 4WD: 0
Nissan Pathfinder 2WD: 0
Audi Q5 4WD: 2
Toyota C-HR: 2
Nissan Murano 2WD: 4
Volvo XC90 4WD: 4
GMC Canyon Crew Cab: 5
Lexus RX 350 4WD: 5

The number of mid-size luxury SUVs and mid-size luxury cars led the way in terms of “safest vehicles” on the road, and that may be attributed to a combination of factors, including the safety technology and features often associated with these automobiles.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorney

Attorney Matt Boulton founded the Boulton Law Group to give injured Hoosiers a different choice in law firms. His primary mission: provide each person with personal service, customized legal strategies, and access to a firm that treats clients like family.

For 25+ years, attorney Boulton has helped to secure settlements and judgements for accident victims throughout Indiana. His practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, including:

• Car accidents
• Semi-truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Dog bite injuries
• Wrongful death lawsuits
• Slip and fall accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Negligent security cases

If you or a loved one were injured through no fault of your own, it’s possible that you are entitled to financial compensation.

To help be sure you understand your legal rights and the potential amount of liability insurance that may be available to you, we suggest you request a free consultation from an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney.

For a free, no-pressure legal consultation please send your story to attorney Boulton by using the firm’s confidential contact form.