In a recent data-driven odyssey undertaken by LendingTree, the curtain has been lifted on some rather intriguing findings in the world of automobiles. Spanning a year from November 14, 2022, to November 14, 2023, this insurance analysis has thrown up results that range from the predictable to the downright surprising. Gear up as we dive into the details.
The List: Top 10 Most Incident-Prone Car Brands
The study ranked car brands based on the number of driving incidents per 1,000 drivers. Here’s the roll call:
- #10 Toyota
- #9 Hyundai
- #8 Infiniti
- #7 Lexus
- #6 BMW
- #5 Mazda
- #4 Volkswagen
- #3 Subaru
- #2 Tesla
- #1 RAM
RAM: Leading the Pack in the Wrong Race
Taking the dubious honor of first place, RAM drivers have been spotlighted as having the highest incidence rate in the US – a staggering 32.90 incidents per 1,000 drivers. This includes accidents, DUIs, speeding, and citations. Notably, RAM’s notoriety peaked in Massachusetts, where the rate soared to 64.44 incidents per 1,000 drivers. As for accidents alone, RAM secured the second position with a 22.76 ratio.
Tesla: Not Far Behind
Tesla, famous for its autopilot feature, trails RAM closely, scoring a 31.13 incident rating. In a twist of irony, Tesla drivers topped the accident list, with 23.54 out of 1,000 drivers involved in crashes.
Subaru: Completing the Top Three
Subaru occupies the third slot, registering 30.09 incidents per 1,000 drivers. It also ranked third in accident frequency with a 20.90 score.
On the Brighter Side: The Safest Drivers
On a positive note, the study identified the safest drivers in terms of accident frequency. Leading this commendable list are Pontiac (8.41), Mercury (8.96), and Saturn (9.13) drivers, each recording scores below 10.00.
In terms of overall incidents, Mercury drivers demonstrated commendable caution with a 15.82 rating, followed by Pontiac (16.24) and Saturn (16.84).
DUIs: A Disturbing Trend Among BMW Drivers
BMW drivers emerged as the most likely to be caught for DUIs, with a rate of 3.13 per 1,000, almost doubling that of RAM drivers. On the flip side, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Mercury, and Kia drivers showed commendable responsibility, recording the lowest DUI ratings.
Consequences of Reckless Driving
While we often consider the severe outcomes of bad driving, it’s also worth noting the immediate repercussions like increased insurance premiums, a collection of fines and tickets, and potential license suspensions.
In conclusion, this study by LendingTree not only sheds light on driver behavior across different car brands but also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving.
