Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes by Make in Vermont

During the week of May 17, 2017, two Vermont residents lost their lives in traffic accidents.

The first fatal incident took place in Berlin in a two-car collision that took the life of a 59-year-old woman. The second incident occurred near Cambridge when a man drove his vehicle off of a steep embankment for an unknown reason.

Altogether, 16 individuals lost their lives in Vermont car accidents so far this year, making this one of the deadliest years on local roads in recent history.

These are tragic stories that are unfortunately common, and some are easily preventable.

For example, in 2015, a 62-year-old man was killed when his car collided with a bull. The farmer who owned the bull was convicted of reckless endangerment, because he failed to properly maintain his fence, which led to the bull’s escape.

There are two main types of fatal accidents, and both have disastrous consequences for all parties involved as well as for their loved ones.

A sudden death fatal car accident involves the immediate death of one or more individuals at the scene of the accident.

An eventual death fatal car accident involves one or more victims dying hours, days, or weeks after the accident took place as a result of severe injuries they sustained in the accident. For all parties involved, both types of death can lead to:

• Liability
• Medical expenses
• Pain
• Suffering, etc.

If you’re concerned about encountering a fatal car crash and want to ensure you’re covered, enter your ZIP code above and compare at least three to four auto insurance policies today!

Distracted Driving in Vermont

Driving is a demanding activity that requires your complete attention and focus, but distracted driving is unfortunately common.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in Vermont; approximately 10 percent of fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving.

There are three main types of distracted driving:

•  Visual – Takes a driver’s eyes off of the road, such as reading a text message or looking at your GPS screen
• Manual – Pulls the driver’s hands off the wheel, such as when they are reaching for a cell phone, eating a snack, or smoking a cigarette
• Cognitive – Takes the driver’s focus off of driving, such as if they are talking to someone else in the car

Many distractions fall into several or all categories. For example, using a cell phone typically involves all three kinds of distractions.

In Vermont, fatal car accidents are currently at a five-year high. This year’s victims include a pedestrian, a motorcyclist, and drivers and passengers in cars.

Some people state that both distracted driving and an increased number of motorists on the roads are to blame for the higher fatality statistics.

Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in Vermont

(Click here for interactive graphic)

Various makes and models of equipment have different types and qualities of safety equipment in them as well as varying safety ratings. Some modern safety equipment is designed to prevent accidents, and other equipment aims to decrease the severity of injuries in an accident.

Nonetheless, the statistics regarding the number of fatal crashes in Vermont in relation to the vehicle make is tight, and there are numerous ties.

#10 – Cadillac

Established: August 22, 1902
Vehicles Involved: 1.41 percent

Approximately 1.41 percent of Vermont’s fatal car accidents involve Cadillac models. Notably, Cadillac is in a six-way tie with:

• Hyundai
• Suzuki
• Volkswagen
• Volvo
• Infiniti
• Oldsmobile

Cadillac has historically been one of the more popular American-based luxury car manufacturers.

Its vehicles remain well-known for their enhanced features as well as powerful performance. Some of the popular models include the Escalade, the CTS, the ATS, the XTS, and others.

#6 – Mercury (Tied)

Established: 1938
Vehicles Involved: 4.24 percent

Mercury is the only brand on the list that is not actively producing new cars.

Mercury is a now-defunct brand that was manufactured by its parent company, Ford. The last Mercury, which was a Grand Marquis, was made in 2011.

Other more recent models to be manufactured include:

• Mariner
• Milan
• Montego
• Monterey

Mercury models account for approximately 4.24 percent of fatal car accidents in Vermont, and it is in a close tie with several other makes listed here.

#6 – KIA (Tied)

Established: December 1944
Vehicles Involved: 4.38 percent

While KIA is a South Korean automobile manufacturer that was founded in 1944, it only began selling vehicles in the United States in 1994.

KIA is largely owned by the parent company Hyundai, and it manufactures affordable luxury cars for markets around the world.

Some of the models that you may find on the roads in Vermont and throughout the United States include the Rio, Soul, Forte, Optima, and K900. Statistics indicate that 4.38 percent of fatal car accidents in Vermont involve KIA vehicles.

#6 – Jeep/Kaiser-Jeep/Willys-Jeep (Tied)

Established: 1941
Vehicles Involved: 4.52 percent

Jeep is an American-based automobile company that is owned by Fiat Chrysler, and it has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality, rugged sport utility vehicles.

Its vehicles were initially used by the United States military in World War II, and its first public models were sold to consumers in 1945.

Today, some of its vehicles, such as the Wrangler, are more basic than the more luxurious Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

Jeep has also introduced smaller SUV models in recent years to appeal to a broader share of the market, and these smaller options include the Patriot, Liberty, and Compass. Approximately 4.52 percent of Vermont’s fatal car accidents involve Jeep vehicles.

#6 – Dodge (Tied)

Established: 1900
Vehicles Involved: 4.66 percent

Dodge was originally an independently-owned, American car manufacturer based in Michigan. However, it later was purchased by Chrysler and is now owned by Fiat Chrysler.

Dodge is a large company that has a lengthy list of models that appeal to a diverse range of audiences.

For example, it manufacturers the high-end sports car known as the Viper as well as the Grand Caravan minivan. Some of the other models currently available include:

• Challenger
• Durango
• Charger
• Journey
• Neon and more

Dodge vehicles are involved in approximately 4.66 percent of all of Vermont’s fatal car accidents.

#4 – Toyota (Tied)

Established: August 28, 1937
Vehicles Involved: 7.06 percent

Toyota is the second largest auto manufacturer in the world and the ninth largest corporation worldwide. It is known for producing higher-end vehicles, and its subsidiaries include Scion and Lexus.

This company sells approximately 2.5 million vehicles in the United States alone each year.

Some of its models include the Prius, Tundra, Corolla, Camry, Tacoma, Yaris, FJ Cruiser, and others.

With a model to please almost every driver’s need, there are many Toyota vehicles on Vermont roads. With this in mind, it is not surprising to learn that approximately 7.06 percent of all fatal car accidents in the state involve this automotive brand.

#4 – Chevrolet (Tied)

Established: November 3, 1911
Vehicles Involved: 7.2 percent

Chevrolet is one of the most well-established American automobile manufacturers, and it is currently owned by General Motors. It is known for making sports cars, compact cars, SUVs, and even trucks, and its focus is largely on providing quality and value.

Some of the many Chevrolet models that you can purchase today in Vermont include:

• Spark
• Bolt
• Volt
• Sonic
• Cruze
• Malibu
• SS
• Silverado
• Caprice
• Camaro
• Equinox and more

Chevrolet vehicles are involved in approximately 7.2 percent of fatal auto accidents in Vermont.

#3 – Ford

Established: June 16, 1903
Vehicles Involved: 9.89 percent

Ford’s founder, Henry Ford, is widely attributed to bringing the automobile into mainstream American life. His Model T design was popular for many years in the company’s early history.

Today’s models are known for affordability and value, and there is an extensive list of models in the company’s current line-up.

Modern models include the Fiesta, Focus, Taurus, Mustang, Flex, Edge, Explorer, F-150, and others. With 9.89 percent of fatal car accidents in Vermont involving Ford vehicles, this manufacturer ranks third in the list.

#1 – Subaru (Tied)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iMHF-jMGuE

Established: July 15, 1953
Vehicles Involved: 14.12 percent

Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer that ranks 22nd in the industry’s market share.

This company has a tradition of creating affordable, high-performance vehicles, and many of its models have performed well in racing events over the years.

Some of the current models that are sold in the United States include the WRX, Legacy, Impreza, Forester, Outback, and others. Subaru is tied for first place in the rankings with 14.12 percent of fatal car accidents in Vermont involving this make.

#1 – Honda (Tied)

Established: October 1946
Vehicles Involved: 14.27 percent

Honda is at the top of the list of makes involved in Vermont’s fatal car accidents with 14.27 percent.

This company is one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world, and it is also known for robotics, motorcycles, power equipment, and more.

It is the parent company of Acura and numerous other subsidiaries. A few of the current Honda models you may find on Vermont roads include the Fit, Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey, Element, Insight, and more.

Tips to Avoid Fatal Car Accidents in Vermont

A traffic fatality is a nightmarish event for those involved in the accident as well as their loved ones, and many deaths can be avoided when proper driving safety tips are followed.

At all times, be as alert as possible on the roads, and avoid distracted driving activities. Keep your eyes on the road, and observe and follow all posted street signs.

Pay attention to other drivers, and also take a defensive measure so that you are prepared for any actions that others around you may take. You should also use all safety equipment in the car, including airbags, seatbelts, headlights, and more.

Avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at all times, and also take extra safety precautions when driving in inclement weather or at dawn or dusk when the sun’s glare could negatively affect your visibility.

In Vermont, drivers should be particularly vigilant for pedestrians and wildlife on or near the roads.

If you do not know where you are going, look at your GPS or map before you venture out on the road, and pull over as needed to avoid unnecessary distractions

Also, ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped to drive over slick leaves, snow or ice that may be on the roads. Always wear your seatbelt properly, and ensure that everyone in the car is properly buckled in before you start driving.

Comparison Shop for the Right Coverage

Safe driving practices can help you avoid an accident, or they could decrease the severity of an accident. However, even when the best safety tips are followed, accidents may still happen.

State law in Vermont requires drivers to be properly insured, and auto insurance can also help you to avoid financial loss related to an accident.

It is wise to learn more about Vermont’s minimum insurance requirements and to determine if you would benefit from additional coverage before you start shopping. Then, use the Internet to compare several auto insurance rates for the coverage you need.

While you may be inclined to make a decision based on price alone, focus your attention on the reputation and financial stability of the company as well.

Looking to find a dependable and affordable auto insurance policy? Enter your ZIP code below and start comparison shopping today!

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