Which Cars are Least Likely to Have Auto Accidents?

Our attorneys were intrigued to learn recently that bigger vehicles are not necessarily better when it comes to avoiding auto accidents on Philadelphia's traffic-clogged streets. Among the safest cars on the road this year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), are such "small cars" as the 2014 Honda Civic 4-door sedan, the 2014 Mazda 3, and the 2014 Toyota Prius. High-rating midsize cars include the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, the 2014 Subaru Legacy, and the 2014 Subaru Outback. The organization also ranks luxury cars, small SUVs and minivans using such criteria as front crash prevention, warning systems, and break control. When safety is a concern and you're shopping for a new vehicle, the IIHS rankings listed online can be a valuable tool. The organization's Web site (iihs.org) also illuminates some fascinating facts about auto accidents in general. Among them: Most crash deaths occur in rural areas. Despite the fact that less than one-fifth of Americans live outside of cities, more than half of crash deaths occur rurally. Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths are more common in cities, as are crashes that cause property damage or nonfatal injuries to people. More traffic means more crashes, but better enforcement of speed limits and red lights can help minimize them. Simple traffic engineering changes such as adding left turn lanes can also help. Fixed objects and animals present hazards. About 20 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths occur when a vehicle leaves the road and strikes a fixed object such as a tree, utility pole or traffic barrier. Collisions with animals are a frequent cause of insurance claims for vehicle damage, particularly during autumn in areas with large deer populations. If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash and could benefit from an experienced car accident attorney, please contact us today or call (800) 529-6600 for a free consultation. We have offices in Philadelphia, Allentown, Conshohocken, and New Jersey.