Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Crashes by Make in Michigan

Tragic car accidents occur each and every day throughout the United States. While most people never expect to be in a serious — or even fatal — car accident, statistics suggest that many of us are putting our lives in danger whenever we get behind the wheel.

In Milford Township of Michigan, an individual died following an accident in the early morning hours of November 18, 2016. A pickup truck was going around a curve when the driver lost control, veered off the road, and struck a tree.

The truck erupted in flames, and the driver was already deceased when responders arrived on the scene.

Investigators believe that the truck was traveling too fast for the curve and could not successfully navigate the turn. Had the driver realized how severe the turn was and slowed down, the accident may have been prevented.

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Types of Fatal Car Accidents

There are two different types of fatal accidents. In the tragic accident that occurred on the 18th, the driver died at the scene. When someone dies instantly as the result of an accident, it’s referred to as a sudden death fatal car crash.

These typically results from excessive speeding or when a larger vehicle is involved in the event.

The other type is eventual death fatal car accidents, which is classified as a death that does not occur immediately but is the result of various factors relating back to the car crash.

This kind of death can be the result of internal injuries and head injuries that occur at the scene, but they either go untreated or medical intervention is unsuccesful.

Distracted Driving in Michigan

It’s estimated that one out of every ten fatal crashes is the result of distracted driving. Distractions come in all shapes and sizes, and they include:

• Taking your eyes off the road
• Taking your hands off the wheel
• Allowing your mind to wander so that you’re not focusing on the road
• Using the phone in any way shape or form
• Focusing on the vehicle’s controls or devices, including navigation systems
• Chatting with passengers or addressing problems with the kids
• Unrestrained pets moving around the cabin
• Eating or drinking
• Grooming and putting on makeup
• Looking at an accident as you drive by
• Taking selfies

There are three types of distractions that can cause problems for drivers and lead to accidents on the road. You can make your family a little safer by minimizing visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Take these steps to keep your mind on the road and your hands on the wheel.

– Visual Distractions

Visual distractions cause you to take your eyes off the road and other vehicles.

These distractions can include your son pointing to a neat building in the distance or adjusting the settings on your radio. Leave your phone in your purse or jacket, learn how to use the steering wheel controls for your radio, and set the GPS before you leave.

– Manual Distractions

This involves taking one or both hands off the wheel for any reason. It could be to use the phone and send a text message, pick up a cup of coffee, or put on makeup.

One of the biggest problems with a manual distraction is that it typically involves a cognitive one, as well. This is particularly the case with people who are texting while driving or trying to read directions.

– Cognitive Distractions

If you’re having trouble focusing on the task at hand, then you’re a danger on the road. It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about marital problems, planning how you’ll talk to a client when you get to work, or just engaged in an active conversation with a passenger.

When your mind is not on the road, your reaction time is slower, and you’re more likely to make mistakes of your own.

Avoid problems with distracted driving by keeping the cell phone turned off. Enjoy your drinks and meals before getting on the road. Program the GPS before you pull out, and make sure the volume is turned up so that you can hear it.

In Michigan, young drivers are considered the biggest threat on the road. This is because they’re more likely to drive distracted. Research shows that one in five drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 were using a cell phone at the time of an accident.

Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Crashes in Michigan

(Click here for an interactive chart)

#10 – Toyota

Toyotas were involved in 30 fatalities on the road, accounting for roughly two percent of the accidents. One thing that sets Toyota apart is that it’s the first manufacturer to make hands-free Bluetooth technology standard in every car.

This allows drivers to eliminate the manual distraction of a phone, but they can still take a call if they’re stuck in traffic or at a light.

The manufacturer is also working hard to bring a self-driving car to the market, and they hope to have it ready to roll by 2020. Toyota is also still a family company. The CEO is a direct descendant of Sakichi Toyoda, the inventor of the company that would eventually become Toyota Motor in 1937.

#9 – Chrysler

The Chrysler brand was founded in 1925, and it’s not a household name. The founder had very humble beginnings as a railroad mechanic. One of his great strengths was in keeping costs under control.

The company sold more than 1.8 million cars in 2013, and they have the fourth highest auto sales in the United States.

The company also makes buses. It started manufacturing the larger vehicles in 1983, and models are still popular. This venture led to a partnership with Mitsubishi, and Chrysler also partnered with Jeep and Dodge in the 1980s. Chryslers account for roughly three percent of fatal accidents on Michigan roadways.

#8 – Buick/ Opel

Buick is GM’s luxury line, and it’s recently shaken things up with some hot new additions.

The Regal functions more like a sports car, and the Encore crossover appeals to sophisticated urbanites while getting more than 30 miles to the gallon. Like Dodge, Buick accounts for approximately three percent of the fatal accidents in the state.

This line also has some impressive safety features that can minimize your family’s risk of serious injury and even death.

This includes state-of-the-art rear cross traffic alert systems, side blind zone alerts, StabiliTrak systems, and even a lane departure warning system. You can also get a car with forward collision alert to help prevent accidents when cognitive distractions cause you to take your brain off the task of driving.

#7 – Jeep/ Kaiser-Jeep/ Willys-Jeep

Jeeps are considered the original SUV, and they’re still popular vehicles for active drivers. There were 47 Jeeps involved in fatal accidents or about 3.2 percent. Designed for the military, the first public outing for a Jeep involved taking it right up the steps of the United States Capital.

Jeep proudly points out that their owners have been all over the globe. In this modern age, “jeeping” is a sport where people trek across some harsh terrain in their vehicles. In fact, the event is so large today that people bring unique concept cars to the event.

#6 – Honda

Honda started out producing motorized bicycles, and it was the largest motorcycle manufacturer by 1964. Currently, it’s a top seller in the United States, and it was actually the first foreign manufacturer to open production centers in the US.

The company currently makes watercraft, aircraft, mountain bikes, lawn equipment, solar cells, and even aircraft.

Honda comes in at number six with 55 cars involved in fatalities. This may be due in part to the ACE body structure, a Honda-exclusive design that provides greater crash protection in frontal collisions.

There are multiple airbags in every Honda, and the multi-angle rearview cameras provide drivers with more dynamic guidelines. A collision mitigation raking system uses millimeter wave radar sensors to help stop the car if it determines that a frontal collision is unavoidable.

#5 – GMC

GMC strives to make your trips less eventful with professional grade safety. They offer features like active tow that uses a rear vision camera overlay to help align your truck and trailer. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the speed of your car to stay a safe distance behind the car in front of you.

Many modern cars come equipped with safety cages in case the car rolls over, but that can lead to dangerous blind spots. GMC has front pedestrian braking so that the car will actively apply the brakes if it senses a pedestrian in front of the vehicle.

The manufacturer even has a safety alert seat that will send vibration pulses to the bottom of the seat rather than relying on audible alerts that may not be noticed. Overall, GMC cars were involved in 61 fatal accidents.

#4 – Pontiac

Pontiac’s another popular brand in Michigan, and it accounts for 64 of the fatal accidents. The brand debuted in 1926 and was closed down in 2010. Known as the sporty line of GM, it was a favorite among people because it was also an affordable brand.

When GM reorganized in 2010 to stay out of bankruptcy, one of the sacrifices was the Pontiac name. However, there are still a good number of Pontiacs on the roadways in Michigan, and they account for 64 of the fatal accidents.

#3 – Dodge

The Dodge brand first emerged in 1900 as an auto parts manufacturing company, and it advanced into cars in 1915. Modern Dodge cars have a unique scent that’s made up of more than 50 organic compounds.

The Dodge minivan is their best-selling automobile, and it was the first minivan to be called modern. Most of the pickup trucks you see on the road were made by Dodge, and the company manufactured trucks for the military from the 1970s through the 1980s.

#2 – Ford

The second-largest family-owned company in the world, the Ford line dates back to 1903.

The company was not only revolutionary with cars, but Henry Ford said that he wanted his employees to have a life, not just make a living. That’s why the company has a higher salary, shorter working day, and company profit sharing.

The Ford F-Series was the best-selling car in 2013. It’s also a fun fact that Chevrolet used a Ford SuperDuty to set up their truck display at the 2012 Texas State Fair. There were 222 Ford cars or trucks involved in fatal accidents.

#1 – Chevrolet

Chevy is a top selling brand, and it also came in at number one on the list of fatalities with 291 cars involved in fatal accidents.

The Chevy brand was born in 1911, but the famous bow-tie emblem didn’t make an appearance until 1914. The first model was a Classic Six that never found great success, but the founder continued to upgrade and improve the car.

Chevy created the small-block engine, and the company now produces dozens of models that are sold throughout the world.

General Safety Tips for Drivers

You can stay safe on the road by avoiding distractions, but that’s easier said than done. With a little preparation and planning, you’ll be ready to hit the road and keep your focus on the asphalt. Here are a few ideas to help you stay safe every time you get behind the wheel.

• Check your route before leaving so you have a general idea of where you’re going
• Program your GPS before pulling out of the driveway
• Understand how to handle cars with and without antilock brakes
• Keep emergency items in your car just in case you’re trapped on the road
• Never drive if you’ve had too much to drink or are drowsy
• Drive defensively and keep an eye on traffic
• Take a break to eat so that you can keep your hands on the wheel

Comparison Shop for the Best Coverage

If you find your vehicle make on our list, you may want to consider searching for a different option. But following our tips for safe driving will also help ensure you stay out of any serious auto accidents in the future.

Finding the best coverage for your needs is easy if you’re willing to do a little comparison shopping.

Use an online tool to enter your information one time and then wait for the offers to arrive. You can look at different companies to find one with excellent ratings, a strong financial background, and great customer service.

You can keep your rates down by raising your deductibles, asking about discounts, and shopping smart for your next car. If you have a vehicle that’s on the most hit list, then it might be worth finding a different style. In the end, you’ll be rewarded with better rates that will fit nicely in your budget.

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