Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes by Make in Delaware

It’s believed that alcohol played a role in a fatal car crash in Delaware County in January 2017.

The single car crash occurred around 2:20 on a Sunday morning along State Route 37 in Radnor Township. According to authorities, a man driving a Honda Accord drove off the side of the road and hit a tree.

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This accident could have been prevented had the man been rested and sober while driving, and he may have survived the accident if he’d been wearing a seat belt.

While some accidents cannot be avoided, there are steps drivers can take to keep themselves a little safer when on the road.

Types of Fatal Accidents

When it comes to collisions on the highway, fatal accidents actually fall into two different categories. Sudden death fatal car accidents occur when a driver or passenger is killed instantly due to the severity of an accident. These are usually the result of speeding or involve a larger vehicle.

Eventual death fatal accidents are classified as deaths that occur as a result of the accident, but it can be days or even weeks before the person succumbs to their injuries. They typically perish in the hospital despite attempts to repair the damage and help them heal.

One in Ten Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

While most people know the dangers of driving while intoxicated or even driving while extremely tired, people are often surprised at how often accidents are caused by distracted driving.

It’s estimated that 10 percent of accidents are the result of at least one driver being distracted while behind the wheel.

A distraction is simply defined as anything that takes your eyes, hands, or focus off of the wheel. They put everyone on the roadway in danger, and they can range from talking with passengers or daydreaming to taking selfies and eating. You can stay safe by learning more about the three common types of distractions.

– Visual

Visual distractions cause you to take your eyes off the road so that you can look at something in the car or even outside the car in the landscape. It only takes a split second to get into an accident, so keeping your eyes on the road and other cars is important.

– Manual

Manual distractions include things like using your hands to pull your hair up, answering the phone, and eating. Even if your eyes are on the road, your risk of an accident increases when one or both hands are occupied doing something else.

– Cognitive

When your brain is engaged in something else, your reflex time slows. You’re less likely to see a threat in time, and the risk of getting in an accident increases.

Distracted Driving Persists in Delaware

Being engaged with your phone in any way is one of the most dangerous driving habits because it is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. This is why states like Delaware have passed laws to discourage distracted driving, but it remains a problem in the state.

Delaware law prohibits motorists from physically holding any hand-held device while they are driving.

They can use hands-free technology to make and receive calls, but they cannot text while drive, check a calendar, or otherwise use their phone.

Recently, lawmakers doubled the fines for drivers who use a cell phone without a hands-free device, and the fees increase for subsequent offenses.

Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in Delaware

(Click here for interactive chart)

#10 – Hyundai

Established: December 29, 1967
Vehicles Involved: 6

Hyundai accounts for roughly three percent of fatal crashes in the state. More than half of the cars sold in the US by Hyundai are built domestically, and their state-of-the-art manufacturing center is in Montgomery, Alabama.

The company is committed to being green, and that includes offering an eco-driving system that’s proven to reduce fuel consumption.

While cell phone use behind the wheel is discouraged, Hyundai does embrace cellular technology with some cool features that can be used before you ever open the car. With their Blue Link technology, you can use the special service to:

• Turn your car on remotely
• Schedule Car Care appointments for service
• Get a monthly vehicle health report
• Have the car automatically call for help in case of an accident

#9 – Suzuki

Established: October 1909
Vehicles Involved: 6

Suzuki also accounts for about three percent of fatal accidents in Delaware. This company takes a comprehensive approach to safety for both drivers and passengers. This is why they include features like:

• Optional four-wheel, three-channel, four-sensor, anti-lock braking
• Steering control during hard braking events
• Excellent visibility

The goal at Suzuki is to take a more proactive role in keeping drivers and their guests safe. In fact, most Suzuki models sold in the United States have a five-star safety rating.

#8 – Jeep/Kaiser-Jeep/Willys-Jeep

Established: 1941
Vehicles Involved: 6

The Jeep brand has been a staple on American roadways for more than 70 years, yet it only accounts for three percent of fatal crashes.

This may be due in part to the excellent safety features that are available on Jeeps, such as 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, auto-leveling headlights, lane departure warning systems, traction control, and electronic stability control.

There is a safety recall currently in place for 2015 Jeep Cherokees due to a fire risk. There was also a recall of 2014 and 2015 models due to problems with the airbags and cruise control systems.

However, the Jeep brand also has excellent passive safety features, including supplemental airbags and multistage front airbags that match output to crash severity.

#7 – Mercury

Established: 1938
Vehicles Involved: 7

Accounting for nearly four percent of fatalities on the road, Mercury is a brand that’s known for comfort and safety. The brand was discontinued in 2010 because the line could not successfully differentiate itself from Ford.

The early Mercury cars are cherished by classic car collectors. This includes the 1949 Mercury that was featured in Rebel Without a Cause. The 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 was the brand’s version of the Mustang, and the Cyclone actually raced in NASCAR with the Cyclone Spoiler II being a special edition in 1969.

#6 – Datsun/Nissan

 

Established: December 26, 1933
Vehicles Involved: 8

Nissan is a popular brand in the United States thanks to a reputation for quality, a commitment to value, and great safety ratings. Accounting for four percent of fatal accidents, this brand uses Safety Shield technologies to look out for drivers.

This technology actively monitors conditions so that the vehicle can respond to outside events. The car can hit the brakes and actively maneuver around obstacles.

If a collision is unavoidable, the Zone Body construction will help absorb the impact while advanced seat belt and air bag systems engage to keep the occupants safe.

#5 – Dodge

Established: 1900
Vehicles Involved: 11

Dodge cars account for nearly six percent of fatal accidents. This brand has been featured in movies and television shows, and it even invented a word.

In addition to making cars, they also made bicycle bearings and stoves. Perhaps most importantly, Dodge helped create the first mass-production vehicles in the United States. In fact, the Dodge brothers made vital parts for Ford’s Model T, including the engine, axles, and transmission.

One of the most famous Dodge cars was the Charger featured in the Dukes of Hazzard. They’ve also inspired a few songs, including Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland” and “The Promise.”

#4 – Toyota

Established: August 28, 1937
Vehicles Involved: 12

Toyota is one of the most popular brands on the road, and that may explain why they account for more than 6 percent of fatal accidents. The company strives to take people places, and they focus on getting everyone to their destination safely.

They have key safety systems that are offered across all lines. When you buy a Toyota, you can expect to have:

• Vehicle stability control
• Traction control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Brake assist
• Smart Stop technology

#3 – Honda

Established: September 24, 1948
Vehicles Involved: 14

Honda cars account for over seven percent of the fatalities, yet they’re considered some of the safest cars on the road. Honda typically leads the industry with top safety pick ratings, and the brand routinely wins awards for crash test ratings.

In addition to receiving good ratings in four out of five crash test categories, the cars also have to earn a high rating front crash prevention features.

Honda achieves this by having technologies in place that help people be safer drivers, such as blind spot monitoring, automatic braking, and lane-departure alert systems.

#2 – Ford

Established: June 16, 1903
Vehicles Involved: 18

Ford is number two on the list because it’s involved in just over nine percent of fatal accidents. This is largely due to the fact that Ford is one of the top selling brands in the nation, so there are more Fords on the road. In fact, Ford is the second largest family-owned company in the entire world.

Henry Ford was not only an innovator when it came to assembly lines and production, but he also believed in taking care of the workers.

He introduced a shorter working day, company profit sharing, and a higher salary. All of this led to reduced employee turnover as he strived to help people make a life rather than just a living.

#1 – Chevrolet

Established: November 3, 1911
Vehicles Involved: 25

Chevrolet has been around almost as long as Ford, and Chevy cars account for more than 13 percent of fatal accidents. Since 1921, they have manufactured more than 200 million vehicles, and it was the top-selling brand in the United States in 2011.

This make is found on two-thirds of the roadways across the globe. One reason they’re so popular is because of the variety they offer ranging from subcompact cars to medium-duty commercial vehicles.

Tips to Avoid Fatal Car Accidents

There are steps you can take to stay safe behind the wheel. When it comes to being a great driver, your skill at steering and braking is only part of the equation.

You also need to:

• Keep your eyes and focus firmly on the road – When you’re driving, give your full attention to the roadway and other vehicles you’re sharing it with. Don’t worry about personal hygiene, chatting with passengers, or answering the phone.
• Ignore the cell phone – Whatever that call or text message coming in is, it can wait. If you have to, put the phone in the back seat or glove box so that you won’t be tempted. If you do need to make or take a call, then find a safe place to park first.
• Set the CDs before you leave – Looking down at the title on CDs is a great way to miss something important and get into an accident. Put your CDs in the player when you’re stopping for breaks so that you can stay focused on the road.
• No drinking and driving – The laws are very strict, and you really don’t want to be responsible for causing an accident because you were intoxicated. Before you go out, discuss who will drive home so that you can get back safely.
• Avoid the construction areas – Driving through construction zones is a hassle, and it can also be dangerous to your health. Detours can be confusing, and the debris may cause a blowout. A better option is to rework your route so that you can avoid lengthy construction projects.
• Obey the law – Quite often, simply obeying the law can help you stay safe. Follow posted speed limits, watch passing zones, and pay attention to red lights. The traffic signs and warnings exist for good reason, and obeying the rules can help you avoid an accident.
• Let it roll off of you – Aggressive drivers are out there, and it’s easy to let someone else’s behavior lead to some poor decisions on your part. If someone is tailgating you or driving erratically, the best thing you can do is move over and let them pass.

Comparison Shopping for the Right Coverage

You don’t have to settle for high insurance premiums or coverage that doesn’t meet your needs. If it’s been a while since you shopped around for better rates, then use our online comparison tool to see what else is available. We recommend reviewing your policy every six months.

You can look for better coverage along with lower premiums. If you’re in the market for a new car, then consider a brand that has higher safety ratings. Finally, make sure that you practice safe driving to avoid major incidents.

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