Drivers understand the importance of wanting a reliable car, but how can drivers be sure they are making the best choice? Fortunately, consumers have access to so many priceless and helpful resources. In 1989 the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) began analyzing and calculating the death rates associated with the vehicles on the market. Luckily, with the help of the IIHS, drivers and consumers shopping for vehicles like the Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta are able to make an educated and confident purchase. See what research and a study done by the IIHS has revealed about small cars and death rates. 

What information did the IIHS reveal in regard to death rates on the road? 

No matter what car manufacturers seem to do, they cannot seem to put an end to the reputation that follows small cars. The industry is no stranger to the uphill battle the tiny models have been up against. An IIHS professional explained, “Smaller vehicles offer less protection for the driver in crashes, and their lighter mass means that they take the brunt of collisions with larger vehicles.” Larger SUV models fair much better when it comes to safety; however, this seems to come down to the physics of it all.

With less mass, smaller cars including the Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta are bound to absorb the majority of an impact during a crash. It seems like an inevitable factor in one regard, but on the other hand, living during a time of innovation and technology, it would seem like automakers would be able to get a better handle on the issue.

What were the overall findings of the study?

A recent study has been tracking the data and information surrounding trends when it comes to crashes and smaller car models. For every million registered small sedans like the Hyundai Accent, there are an estimated 82 deaths. These statistics reflect the highest death rate across the board.

The number of fatalities associated with larger SUVs is much smaller. On the other hand, for every million large SUVs registered, there are a mere 15 fatal incidents associated. The research and evidence point toward a steady decline and trend that has been taking place since 1970.

Why the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent?

Smaller and mini cars can often have a reputation as being unsafe, but it is important to know the facts. Drivers will want to know which exact models were associated with the highest death rate. Unfortunately, the Ford Fiesta landed in the No. 1 spot.

The four-door sedan produced some terrifying numbers and statistics when looking at how the model performed. For every million Ford Fiesta models that are registered, there are 141 deaths. It is a lofty and daunting number.

Not far behind the Fiesta, the Hyundai Accent reluctantly claimed second place. In the case of the Hyundai model, IIHS stated that there are 116 fatalities for every million registered models. The Chevrolet Sonic and Fiat 500 were two other models that made the list for the highest rates of driver deaths. It is concerning information, to say the least. 

Drivers have a lot to think about on and off the road. There is no such thing as being too safe. Hopefully, drivers will continue to take advantage of the available resources and information when purchasing a car.