Not all cars are created equal. Some cars have better safety features than others, making them a better choice for avoiding serious and fatal accidents. However, some cars simply cause more fatalities than others. In Phoenix, for example, several cars seem to be involved in a higher percentage of fatal car crashes. When it comes to driving on the roads in and around Phoenix, is the car you’re driving safe?
According to a study published by iSeeCars.com, some cars in the Phoenix area are deadlier than others. To conduct this study, the group examined vehicle models from 2013 to 2017 and compared it to data from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System. This data was then cross-referenced with zip codes where the fatal accidents occurred.
But what about cars that are just more popular in specific cities? To account for the relative popularity of different cars in communities, researchers adjusted the fatality rate of each of the vehicles to every 1 billion vehicle miles (BVM) driven.
THE FIVE DEADLIEST CARS IN PHOENIX
According to the study, five cars top the list of the “Deadliest Cars to Drive in Phoenix, Arizona.” Those cars include:
- Kia Sportage: These vehicles were responsible for 15.6 fatal accidents per BVM
- Hyundai Accent: Accents in Phoenix caused 9.4 fatal accidents per BVM
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Tiguan drivers were involved in 8.1 fatal accidents per BVM
- Honda Fit: These vehicles accounted for 7.7 fatal accidents per BVM
- Hyundai Veloster: Veloster drivers were involved in 7.3 fatal accidents per BVM
Not only was the Kia Sportage the most dangerous car in Phoenix, but it was also the number one most dangerous SUV in the country. Surprisingly, however, the Sportage is ranked well by Cars.com, U.S. News and World Report and NHTSA. In fact, NHTSA gave the Kia Sportage four to five stars in recent years because of its crash safety tests. Even the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety listed the Kia Sportage as one of their Top Safety Picks over the last five years.
When consumers are looking to purchase a car, safety experts recommend being mindful of the fact that a car could rank well overall, but perform poorly in specific safety tests. For example, while the Kia Sportage performed well in some safety tests, it earned the lowest possible rating for the small overlap front test (frontal-collision test). Consumers should evaluate how these vehicles might do in real-world crashes, particularly ones that are serious.
CONTACT OUR PHOENIX CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Phoenix, we can help. At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, our Phoenix car accident lawyers know that serious accidents need aggressive legal representation from the start. Insurance companies aren’t always willing to play fair with injured accident victims. That’s why injured victims need someone on their side from the very beginning. Our experienced car accident attorneys know how to fight the large insurance companies and win. Contact us today at (602) 648-4045 for a free initial consultation and review of your case. We are here when you need us the most—and we will fight for you every step of the way.