When it’s time to buy a new car, especially for your family, safety is probably one of your biggest concerns. Choosing between an SUV and a sedan isn’t always straightforward. SUVs may seem like the safer option because of their larger size and sturdier build, but they come with their risks, especially when it comes to rollovers.
So, which type of vehicle is safer on the road? To answer that, you’ll want to look at more than just size. It’s important to consider crash data, fatality statistics, and safety features before making your decision. This recent study by Therman Law can help you make an informed choice.
How Your Car Choice Can Impact Crash Survival
Car accidents continue to be a major cause of death in the U.S. In 2022 alone, there were 42,514 traffic-related fatalities nationwide. In Illinois, crashes were the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer, with 1,268 people killed in vehicle collisions that year.
While not all crashes can be avoided, driving the right type of vehicle can make a life-saving difference. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives us insight into which vehicles are most often involved in deadly crashes.
In 2022, light trucks made up the majority of fatal crashes. This group includes SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. Right behind them were passenger vehicles like sedans, hatchbacks, and convertibles.
Here’s how those numbers played out:
- SUVs were involved in 14,117 fatal crashes out of the 25,807 total for light trucks.
- Sedans accounted for 15,757 of the 20,049 fatal passenger vehicle crashes.
While both types of vehicles are heavily represented in these statistics, sedans were involved in a slightly higher number of deadly crashes than SUVs.
In Illinois, the breakdown of vehicle types in fatal accidents was similar to the national trend:
- Light trucks: 740 accidents (39.9%)
- Passenger vehicles: 648 accidents (35%)
- Large trucks: 217 accidents (11.7%)
- Motorcycles: 135 accidents (8.4%)
- Specialty/other vehicles: 83 accidents (4.5%)
- Buses: 10 accidents (0.5%)
Weighing the Pros and Cons
So, what does this data mean for drivers trying to make a smart and safe choice?
Sedans tend to be more vulnerable in crashes simply because of their smaller frames. The less mass and structural padding you have around you, the more likely you are to be seriously injured in a high-impact crash.
SUVs, on the other hand, give passengers more protection in the event of a collision, but that extra size can also create new dangers. Taller and heavier vehicles are more prone to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
Crash tests and real-world data show that if two vehicles collide and one is significantly heavier, the people in the lighter car are at a much higher risk. A difference of just 1,000 pounds can increase the fatality risk by nearly 50 percent for those in the smaller car.
Surprising Safety Factor: Your Car’s Color
Believe it or not, your vehicle’s color can also influence your chances of being in a crash. Dark-colored cars like black, grey, silver, blue, and red tend to blend into the road and low-light conditions, making them harder to see. These colors have been linked to a 7 to 15 percent higher accident risk compared to lighter-colored cars like white, yellow, or orange.
How to Stay Safe, No Matter What You Drive
No matter what kind of car you choose, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk on the road. Sedan drivers should stay extra cautious around larger vehicles and consider investing in added safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
SUV drivers should watch their speed, especially when turning or driving in poor weather. Because SUVs are heavier and have a higher center of gravity, braking early and taking turns slowly can prevent dangerous rollovers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between an SUV and a sedan isn’t just about style, comfort, or fuel efficiency; it’s about safety. While each vehicle type has its pros and cons, understanding the risks associated with both can help you make a more informed decision. Whether you prioritize stability and rollover protection or better handling and visibility, what matters most is how you drive and the precautions you take. Stay alert, follow the rules of the road, and prioritize safety features that can help protect you and your loved ones. After all, the best car is the one that gets you home safely.
