Human’s basic instinct will make you use a car seat for your newborn and toddler while putting them in the car with you. Also, there are specific rules for driving with kids inside a car to ensure their maximum safety and that of you – the driver – and any other passenger in the car.
But all these don’t apply when you’re driving a car that is kind of prone to failures, probably due to mechanical faults from the manufacturer’s end. Yes, some car brands have low ratings when it comes to making reliable cars; these low ratings are given because vehicles from such brands have high accident records.
When buying a new car, while considering the interior space, fittings, engine specs, drivetrain, transmissions, and all of that, also pay attention to the brand’s image. Some car brands have been praised for building really solid cars that stand the test of time, while some are “bashed” because of frequent low-quality materials used in their car productions. Here’s an article that addresses these safety concerns.
Choosing a Safer Vehicle
With the rising number of vehicles on the road and the complexity of modern driving, understanding how to protect your family has never been more important. One of the most effective ways to ensure you increase your safety – and that of your kids – when driving is by choosing the right car. Not all vehicles are built equally when it comes to safety features, and recent statistics shed light on which car brands are more likely to be involved in accidents.
According to a 2023 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain car brands tend to have higher accident rates than others. Judging from the report, luxury vehicles and larger trucks, despite their big sizes and high price tags, are not always the safest option.
But then, affordable luxury SUVs from Lexus scores reasonably high (9.22/10) in safety reports (according to USNews Rating) – this is not quite surprising as Toyota (the parent company of Lexus) is known to produce very reliable vehicles under its primary brand – Toyota. Other brands like Kia, Ford, Audi, and Cadillac all always manufacture highly reliable and safe cars
However, on the top of the list are brands like Genesis, Subaru, Infiniti, Volvo, Hyundai, and BMW. These brands score above 9.50/10 in the USNews safety score. Well, BMWs are really a tough ride, according to autodoc.co.uk the BMW 3 Series bumper is very sturdy and rugged – definitely not something that cracks easily.
Still, brands like Acura and Mazda are among the top brands that produce vehicles that are perceived to be safer for both adult and child passengers.
Accident Statistics by Car Brand
In 2024 so far, the following car brands reportedly have high accident rates, according to reports by SmartFinancial: Tesla (23.54%), Ram (22.76%), Subaru (20.9%), Mazda (18.55%), and Lexus (18.35%).
While brands with the most fatal crashes, leading to deaths, according to the same source, are: Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (205), Dodge Challenger 2WD (154), Hyundai Accent (152), Chevrolet Spark (151), and Kia Rio sedan (122).
While these statistics are here to guide your decisions in choosing a new – safer – car for you and your family, it is important to note that most accidents are caused by drivers who choose to ignore safety rules and traffic signs. So, it’s not entirely about the cars or the brands that make them, your driving pattern plays a huge role in ensuring your safety and that of your children when driving. But then, keep these brands and stat numbers in mind when choosing your next family car.
Safety Tips for Parents on the Road
- Always use proper car seats and restraints – make sure they are installed correctly
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Follow the speed limit recommendation for each road, and drive carefully
- Keep up with regular maintenance schedules for your car
- Be extra cautious when driving in bad weather conditions
What Else?
Staying safe while driving is a collective effort; you’ve got to be mindful of your driving style, and speed levels, and of course, watch out for other “reckless” drivers, especially when you have kids onboard. Notwithstanding, when buying a new car, look out for brands and car models with high safety scores, they may not be entirely perfect, but you’ll have a safety edge owning such rides.
Reference Article: Information taken from autodoc.co.uk.
