Deadliest Models Listed in Report
IIHS findings show certain categories more dangerous, some specifically for other vehicles’ drivers.

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
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.
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.
“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.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Autos More Appealing
Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.
Read More →
Used EVs Defy Overall Market
While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.
Read More →
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →