Crash course: Which car brands are more likely to be involved in accidents, DUIs, and other violations?
Since the introduction of Ford's first Model T, companies have competed for consumer pocketbooks with new designs, features, and colors. In turn, buyers have used these vehicles as status symbols and a way to display their personalities on the road. For better or for worse, society has attached attributes to drivers of various makes and models.
According to insurance data, a few of these stereotypes bear out. Some car models tend to attract the worst (or most reckless) drivers. Spokeo examined incident rates across 30 popular car brands using data from loan marketplace LendingTree from November 2022 to November 2023. The LendingTree report used insurance data to identify which cars were involved in the most accidents, DUI incidents, speeding incidents, and citations.
Based on the data, Ram has the riskiest drivers—they racked up more speeding incidents than all other brands, with 32.9 incidents per 1,000 drivers. Ram drivers were also the second-most likely to be involved in an accident or a DUI and came in fifth in the citation category.
Their need for speed may have attracted those drivers to the Ram brand in the first place; J.D. Power lists the Ram 1500 as among the fastest pickup trucks on the market, able to go from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 7.4 seconds.
Not far behind Ram, Tesla drivers landed in second place, with more than 30 incidents per 1,000 drivers and the highest number of accidents (23.54 per 1,000 drivers) during the study's period. LendingTree published its report before Tesla's voluntary recall, which aimed to update the Autosteer feature in several models.
After Tesla drivers, Ram and Subaru were the only other brands with accident rates higher than 20 per 1,000. The safest drivers, those with the lowest likelihood of an incident occurring, operated Pontiacs, Mercurys, and Saturns, according to the report.
Subaru came in third in driving incidents and led the way as the brand with the most incidents overall in four states: California, Minnesota, Missouri, and Montana.
Nationwide, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Mazda drivers also placed in the top five when counting driving incidents per 1,000 drivers, despite appearing in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's list of best vehicles for safety in 2024. However, when one zooms into the category of driving under the influence, BMW significantly outpaces other brands. BMW drivers received DUIs at a rate of 3.13 per 1,000, while Ram drivers, who came in second in the DUI category, had a rate of almost half that at 1.72, according to LendingTree.
Though the vast majority of all car accidents do not lead to fatalities, in the first nine months of 2024, about 29,000 people died in car accidents in the U.S. That's down 4.4% from the same period in 2023, according to the Department of Transportation.
Several factors impact a driver's chances of being in a crash, including gender, age, driving experience, and, of course, the vehicle—and insurance companies are paying attention to that data.
In a company blog post, LendingTree noted that insurance companies look at a particular model's crash rate to help determine how risky it would be to insure. However, DUIs, tickets, and accidents on a driver's record typically may hold more weight—and they could all lead to higher car insurance rates.
So whether you are eyeing a trusty Mercury or Pontiac, ranked among the least-risky brands surveyed, or the new 2025 Ram truck, safe driving habits can make all the difference.
Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Elisa Huang. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.
This story originally appeared on Spokeo and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Can Archer Aviation Become the Tesla of the Skies?
Tesla (TSLA) does not just make cars. It has reshaped our understanding of what cars can be. Archer Aviation (ACHR), valued at $5.5 billion, is developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which are essentially air taxis intended for short-distance urban and regional travel. Archer Aviation stock has gained just 2.3% in the year to date, underperforming the S&P 500 Index ($SPX), despite its massive 167% gain over the past 52 weeks. For this under-the-radar aerospace company to become 'the Tesla of the skies,' it must do more than just make air taxis viable. It must also make them desirable and indispensable for daily travel. More News from Barchart Apple CEO Tim Cook Says the Technology They're Developing Will Be 'One of the Most Profound Technologies of Our Lifetime' Dear Tilray Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 21 Why SoundHound Could Be the Next AI Stock to Rocket Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. Let us find out how Archer Aviation is working on this, and if the stock is a buy now. An Industry Moving From Ambition to Execution The eVTOL industry was once considered futuristic. But it is rapidly becoming a reality. Archer's flagship product is the Midnight aircraft. The company currently has six additional Midnight units in production, with three in final assembly, bringing the fleet to eight aircraft. These models have a production-ready four-bladed rear propeller design and are ready for certification flight testing or early commercial deployment. Archer is rapidly approaching the commercialization of its Midnight aircraft, signaling a critical period of progress in both civil and defense programs. In the second half of 2025, Archer intends to accelerate pilot and flight testing, expand performance parameters, and begin full eVTOL operations. Because the company has no revenue yet, it reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of $119 million and an adjusted net loss of $114 million in the second quarter. Perhaps the most notable achievement for Archer is the U.S. government's decision to showcase air taxis at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. It is the official exclusive air taxi provider for the event. Archer is not waiting for FAA approval to start monetizing Midnight. Through its Launch Edition Program, the company is delivering early aircraft to countries with more favorable regulatory environments, including the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. These partnerships not only diversify Archer's revenue streams, but also help to establish the business case for eVTOLs. In the UAE, the Midnight aircraft has already been delivered and is awaiting commercial flight authorization. This will help the company generate revenue. Analysts expect Archer to report revenue of $1.42 million in 2025, rising to $103.4 million by 2026. The Challenges Archer ended the second quarter with $1.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents, following a capital raise of $850 million in June. Despite strategic investments in manufacturing, certification, and defense programs, Archer maintained disciplined capital allocation. Furthermore, a growing multibillion-dollar order book from both government and commercial customers helps to strengthen the company's position. Early launch deals abroad offer significant revenue potential before the full U.S. rollout. Without a doubt, Archer is following Tesla's leadto dominance by controlling manufacturing, developing proprietary technology, and pursuing both consumer and government markets. However, the challenges to eVTOL adoption differ. Infrastructure development, public trust, air traffic integration, and safety certification are challenges that Tesla has never encountered in the automotive industry. If Archer can overcome these challenges, it will have established an industry with potentially fewer direct competitors than the crowded EV car market that Tesla is currently facing. What Is Wall Street Saying About Archer Aviation Stock? Recently, Canaccord Genuity analyst Austin Moeller reiterated his 'Buy' rating on Archer Aviation stock with a price target of $13, citing the company's strong production momentum and solid financial position. Moeller believes that by focusing on refining manufacturing processes and increasing efficiency, Archer is well-positioned to expand operations. Early revenue opportunities from Launch Edition customer evaluations strengthen Moeller's belief in the company's growth prospects. Separately, H.C. Wainwright analyst Amit Dayal reiterated his 'Buy' rating on the stock. Dayal stated that, in addition to its urban air mobility plans, Archer is expanding into the defense market through recent acquisitions and the development of a hybrid electric aircraft for long-range and military applications. With catalysts ahead, such as certification completion and the first passenger flights, Dayal believes the company is well-positioned to create meaningful value in the years to come. Overall, Archer Aviation stock is a 'Moderate Buy' on Wall Street. Among the 10 analysts covering the stock, five rate it a 'Strong Buy,' two say it is a 'Moderate Buy,' and three rate it a 'Hold.' The average target price of $12.39 is 25% above current levels. Plus, its Street-high estimate of $18 suggests the stock can rally around 82% over the next 12 months. The Bottom Line If Archer follows through on its promises, such as launching Olympic-scale air taxi operations, expanding its Launch Edition footprint, and entering defense markets, it has the potential to define the first generation of practical, profitable urban air mobility. If the company succeeds, flying cars will no longer be considered science fiction. Archer Aviation would have made this happen. Early investors who believe in the company's potential and are willing to take on the short-term risk may profit handsomely once it reaches its full potential. On the date of publication, Sushree Mohanty did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Toyota Tacoma May Be Getting a New Midsize Truck Rival
Ram Brazil has unveiled a striking pickup concept that recalls a long-dead name in the Dodge brand portfolio. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more Thanks to its workhorse reliability and rugged off-road capability, the Toyota Tacoma dominates the midsize pickup segment in the United States. It's a truck that's truly versatile in its abilities, and it offers something for everyone because of its vast aftermarket support. Nevertheless, in more diverse markets around the world, other OEMs are trying to contest Toyota's supremacy. The latest effort comes from Ram; oddly enough, however, it's not bound for the US — yet. Brazilian nightfall The truck you see before you is called the Dakota Nightfall Concept, and it offers a preview of the all-new Ram Dakota midsize pickup set to launch in Brazil and South America for 2026. While this means that it's off-limits for buyers in the United States, the concept is still an intriguing vehicle, and CEO Tim Kuniskis has hinted at more trucks coming to the brand's lineup in the future. In any case, just look at the styling. From the striking grille and illuminated hood intake to the rugged bumpers, fender moldings and tow hooks, it skews a lot like a mini Ram TRX. And the truck doesn't skimp on the equipment, either. In making the Dakota Nightfall Concept, Ram fitted the pickup with real-deal all-terrain upgrades like a front winch, beadlock wheels and underbody protection. Riding on some lifted Fox suspension and 33-inch tires, it's a Tacoma-rivaling off-roader through and through. Dakota pickup precedent Even though it's not slated for a North American release, the return of the Dakota nameplate makes for big news — the truck first hit the market in 1987, and it remained on sale in the United States until it was finally laid to rest in 2011 with Ram branding. Enthusiasts have been calling for the truck's revival for years now, so Stellantis could be testing the nameplate in another market before bringing the pickup back to the United States. It could use a midsize in its lineup to rival the likes of the Toyota Tacoma. That said, given the similarities to other models in the brand's portfolio — like the Peugeot Landtrek — as keenly reported by Carbuzz, it's not likely that this particular version of the Dakota could make for a profitable stateside seller. Regardless, with Kuniskis at the helm, Ram is a brand to be watching in the truck segment. Given the CEO's 25-product announcement plan, his ambitious SRT initiatives and the recently confirmed return of the TRX, there's no telling what's going on behind the scenes. Forbidden fruit While the Nightfall is only a concept, the Ram Dakota is slated for production, and Stellantis has announced that it will be providing more details soon. Unfortunately for US readers, this truck remains forbidden fruit. When it goes on sale in South America, it will take on the Toyota Hilux (the Tacoma's global sibling) and the Ford Ranger. If you'd like to learn more or stay updated, you can visit the Stellantis website. Ram Dakota Nightfall Concept Learn More
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
TD Cowen Lifts Tesla (TSLA) Price Target, Keeps Buy Rating
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is one of the 11 Best Revenue Growth Stocks to Buy Now. On July 24, TD Cowen increased its price target for Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) from $330 to $374 while keeping a Buy rating. This decision came after the company reported Q2 2025 results, which TD Cowen said were mostly solid and in line with expectations. Hadrian / Although Tesla, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:TSLA) management gave cautious comments about the company's near-term earnings, TD Cowen pointed out that this was not surprising. The firm highlighted that Tesla, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:TSLA) recent progress in autonomous vehicle technology and other upcoming catalysts are 'too significant to ignore.' According to TD Cowen, these factors outweigh the near-term earnings challenges, which are already 'well-recognized' by the market. Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is an automotive and clean energy company that is known for its electric vehicles and energy generation and storage systems. The company leverages advanced AI in its autonomous driving technology and robotics initiatives. While we acknowledge the potential of TSLA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best Performing AI Stocks So Far in 2025 and 14 Best Aggressive Growth Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
