Menu
The Internet Explorer web browser you are using is out of date and no longer supported by Microsoft (365) or by Auto Link. To ensure you are able to access all the features of Auto Link, we highly recommend switching to a modern web browser. Find a modern browser.

Are Drivers Safe in Small Cars or SUVs

Posted on: 06/19/2017

The information below is from a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Answer the following question before reading the article. Do you think you have better crash protection in a small vehicle or large SUVs?

The Detroit News reported “The study found that models with the highest rates of driver deaths per million registered years, or vehicles registered for one year, for models that were made between 2012 and 2015 is the Hyundai Accent four-door sedan, which had 104 deaths per million registered vehicle years.”

Next in line was the Kia Rio sedan at 102 deaths per million registered vehicle years. A close third was the Scion tC 2-door car, at 101 deaths; the Chevrolet Spark 4-door car; and the Nissan Versa.

Here are the top five models with the lowest driver death rates: Volkswagen Tiguan 2WD SUV, Toyota Tacoma Double Cab long bed 4WD pickup, Mazda CX-9 2WD SUV, Audi A6 4WD and Audi Q7 4WD. According to the study all of the five vehicles had zero driver deaths in the period measured.

Encouraging news from the IIHS is “the last time (it) calculated driver death rates, the overall rate had fallen by more than a third over three years.” The decrease is a result of improved vehicle designs and safety technology.

The IIHS study found that July and August are typically the deadliest months on U.S. roadways, with an average daily toll of 116, which the group attributed to driving patterns that increase in warmer summer months.



Thinking About Buying a Car?

Our Car Buying Service can help save you money on your vehicle purchase. Members have saved an average of $3,106 off MSRP on new vehicles.*

Learn more


* Between 7/1/16 and 9/30/16, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,106. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.