The number of deaths occurring in automobile accidents on highways has decreased significantly in the last several years. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) just published their report for the 2011 model-year of cars. A “record total” of nine models sold in 2011 have had a death rate of zero, meaning nobody died in a crash while in those vehicles. The main reasons for fewer car accident deaths are due to improved vehicle design and safety technology that prevents or minimizes the severity of accidents. These nine vehicles include:
- Audi A4 4WD
- Kia Sorento 2WD
- Honda Odyssey
- Lexus RX350 4WD
- Subaru Legacy 4WD
- Mercedes Benz GL-Class 4WD
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD
- Toyota Sequoia 4WD
- Volvo XC90 4WD
The IIHS predicted that if automakers had not drastically improved vehicle safety over the last several years, there would have been “7,700 more fatalities in just the year 2012.” Another reason that can be attributed to fewer highway accident deaths is the implementation of a new “small offset crash test.” This test replicates “what happens when two cars clip one another going in opposite directions.” Some of the new safety technology built into cars such as lane departure warnings, blind spot detection systems, and forward collision warning are working to prevent serious deadly accidents. In fact, Volvo has said their goal is to have zero deaths in all of their vehicles by 2020.
Some of the worst vehicles for accident deaths include the Kia Rio, with 149 deaths per million registered vehicle miles, and the Nissan Versa, with 130 deaths per million registered vehicle miles. A majority of the vehicles with the most death are compact and subcompact cars.
If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, contact Portner & Shure for a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on car accidents at (410) 995-1515 or visit us on our website.
