Let’s face it—buying a car is a big decision. Whether it’s your daily commuter, your weekend road-tripper, or the SUV that hauls your kids and groceries, you want something that not only looks good but also keeps you safe. And while ads love to hype up horsepower, tech features, and leather seats, they rarely talk about the one thing that truly matters in a crash: how well the vehicle protects you.
At Farmer & Morris, we took a deep dive into national and state crash data, safety scores, and real-world accident reports to find out which vehicles are doing their job and which ones might be putting drivers at unnecessary risk.
Spoiler alert: not all vehicles are built the same, and the stats prove it.
Behind the Numbers: The State of Road Safety
Let’s start with the bigger picture. In 2023, the U.S. recorded 40,990 motor vehicle deaths. In North Carolina alone, there were:
- 284,157 total crashes
- 115,009 injuries
- 1,686 fatalities
These aren’t just numbers, they’re people. Families. Lives changed in an instant. That’s why understanding what contributes to these crashes and how your choice of vehicle plays a role is so important.
The Standouts: Cars That Lead in Safety
Some vehicles are just built better. Based on a blend of crash test ratings, real-world reliability, and owner feedback, the following models scored top marks across the board:
- 2021 Honda Accord (Midsize Sedan): ⭐ 10/10
- 2022 Toyota Avalon (Large Sedan): ⭐ 10/10
- Honda Passport (Midsize SUV): ⭐ 10/10
- Ford Expedition (Large SUV): ⭐ 10/10
- Ford F-150 (Pickup): ⭐ 9.6/10
These cars aren’t just good in lab tests—they’ve held up well in actual crash data. From side-impact strength to rollover resistance, they check all the boxes when it comes to keeping drivers and passengers safe.
If you’re in the market for a new (or even used) car, these are smart, dependable picks.
The Warning List: Vehicles With Higher Fatality Rates
On the flip side, some brands don’t fare as well. When we looked at fatal accidents per billion miles driven, certain names kept popping up:
- Tesla: 5.6 fatal crashes per billion miles
- Kia: 5.5
- Buick: 4.8
- Dodge: 4.4
- Hyundai: 3.9
This doesn’t automatically mean these vehicles are unsafe, but it does raise questions. Especially when you consider that some of these brands also rank high for recalls involving serious problems like battery fires, power steering failure, or engine issues.
In Tesla’s case, the mix of powerful performance, semi-autonomous features, and growing concerns over distracted driving may be contributing to the high numbers.
Driving Behavior Still Matters
Here’s the thing: you can be behind the wheel of a 5-star safety-rated car and still end up in a serious accident if you’re driving recklessly.
Crash data shows that driver behavior plays a huge role in fatal accidents:
- Speeding: Involved in 29% of fatal crashes nationwide
- Drunk driving: 32% of fatal crashes
- Distracted driving: Around 8%, but likely underreported
In North Carolina, the numbers are slightly lower but follow the same pattern. It’s not always the car—it’s often the choices we make behind the wheel.
Want to Stay Safe? Here’s How
Whether you’re driving a top-rated SUV or an older compact car, these habits make a huge difference:
✅ Put the phone away. No text is worth your life.
✅ Don’t speed. Getting there five minutes faster is never worth the risk.
✅ Drive sober—always. Call a friend, a Lyft, or stay put.
✅ Keep up with maintenance. Check tire pressure, brakes, and fluid levels regularly.
✅ Pay attention to recalls. If your car gets recalled, don’t wait—get it fixed ASAP.
Your Car Choice Could Save Your Life
It’s easy to think safety is just about driving carefully. And yes, that’s a huge part of it. But the truth is, some vehicles are just better built to protect you when things go wrong.
So before you fall in love with a car for the sunroof or the sound system, check its safety record. Look at the crash test scores. Do a quick search for recall history. And think about how that car will hold up in the kind of driving you do—whether that’s city commuting, weekend road trips, or hauling your kids to soccer practice.
And if you’ve already been involved in a crash, especially one that involved a vehicle with a known safety issue, you may have more legal options than you think. At Farmer & Morris, we’re here to help you sort through the details, protect your rights, and move forward.
Because safety shouldn’t be optional. And neither should justice.
