agent Entrepreneur logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Deadliest Models Listed in Report

IIHS findings show certain categories more dangerous, some specifically for other vehicles’ drivers.

December 20, 2023
Deadliest Models Listed in Report

Seven of the 20 models with the highest other-driver death rates are large pickups, and another four are midsize SUVs.

IMAGE: Pexels/Kaique Rocha

2 min to read


Small cars and those with “muscle” images are among the deadliest models on the road, according to a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The nonprofit group released a list of driver death rates organized by make and model that shows six of the 21 vehicles with the highest driver death rates among 2020 models are considered to be “hot rod” brands: Chevrolet Camaro, the Dodge Challenger and Charger, and Ford Mustang, IIHS said in a press release about its findings.

Ad Loading...

It said that eight other models on this year’s deadliest list are small cars.

IIHS has examined driver death rates about every three years since 1989. It sources the number of deaths from the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System and gets registration data from IHS Markit.

 The group includes only driver deaths, since all operated vehicles have drivers but not all have passengers or the same number of passengers.

“We typically find that smaller vehicles have high driver death rates because they don’t provide as much protection, especially in crashes with larger, heavier SUVs and pickups,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “The muscle cars on this list highlight that a vehicle’s image and how it is marketed can also contribute to crash risk.”

IIHS added a list this year of the best and worst models based on drivers of other vehicles killed in accidents involving them. Eighteen of the 23 vehicles with the lowest driver death rates are minivans or SUVs, and 12 are luxury vehicles, it said.

Ad Loading...

“Using that lens, the story of big and small is partially reversed,” the report said, “illustrating the danger that large vehicles pose to other road users. But three Dodge muscle cars with excessively high driver death rates also rank among the worst performers when it comes to other-driver deaths, suggesting these vehicles are driven in an aggressive manner.”

IIHS said that seven of the 20 models with the highest other-driver death rates are large pickups, and another four are midsize SUVs, which aren’t among the deadliest for their own drivers.

DIG DEEPER: Rule Would Require AEB in New Cars

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Industry

Blue and white RV parked on beach facing the ocean.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceSeptember 3, 2026

RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint

Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.

Read More →
Photo of two men and one woman on a discussion panel
Industryby Hannah MitchellSeptember 1, 2026

Agent Acumen

An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.

Read More →
Gloved hand holding two wrenches next to “Turn Overdue into Opportunity” Graphic
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 27, 2026

Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity

As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mitsubishi shadow line-up
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 25, 2026

Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan

The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.

Read More →
Photo of a laptop, cellphone and eyeglasses on a desk next to an office window
IndustryAugust 24, 2026

Selling to Grow

The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.

Read More →
Mechanic holding a vehicle diagnostic device while standing above an open car hood
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 24, 2026

Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High

Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
outside of car dealership with cars parked in front
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 20, 2026

Auto Group Acquires Top-Performing Rooftop

Car Pros sold its Kia Huntington Beach location to Sutherlin Automotive Group, marking the buyer’s third location in Southern California.

Read More →
Cars from the rear on a Shanghai freeway
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 19, 2026

China as Pacesetter

Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.

Read More →
Orange BMW car on empty road.
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 14, 2026

BMW Concept Car Makes Fuel to Burn

The prototype developed in concert with a South Carolina university engineering team generates more solar energy than it uses in a typical daily commute.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Six men standing for photo outside of car dealership
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 13, 2026

South Carolina Auto Group Downsizes

Florida-based group Holler-Classic has acquired four rooftops, its first in South Carolina, from Dick Smith Automotive Group.

Read More →
Ad Loading...