If you’re shopping for a new car or simply curious about how your current vehicle stacks up in terms of safety, a recent study from Chaikin Trial Group provides important — and in some cases eye-opening — insights. The research analyzed 2022 crash data nationwide to identify which makes and models are most frequently involved in accidents. The results highlight not only the vehicles themselves but also broader trends in when and why collisions happen on American roads.
The Most Accident-Prone Models
Leading the list are several of the nation’s most popular vehicles:
These models dominate U.S. sales charts year after year, which naturally increases their exposure on the road. However, Chaikin’s analysis suggests that their accident involvement rates are disproportionately high compared to other vehicles with similar popularity.
Other models flagged in the report include the Honda Civic and Nissan Altima, both of which are consistently involved in a higher-than-average share of crashes.
Why These Vehicles Stand Out
The study points to several contributing factors:
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Design limitations – Larger trucks like the Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado come with extended blind spots. This makes it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, or smaller vehicles when turning or changing lanes.
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Mechanical issues – Recalls are another piece of the puzzle. Transmission failures, brake malfunctions, and unintended acceleration have affected a range of popular models in recent years, sometimes increasing crash risk.
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Driver demographics – Vehicle ownership trends also play a role. For example, cars like the Civic and Altima are especially popular with younger drivers, a group statistically more prone to car accidents due to inexperience and risk-taking behavior.
Timing Is Just as Critical as the Vehicle
Interestingly, Chaikin Trial Group’s report emphasizes that when you drive can be nearly as important as what you drive.
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Rush hour, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., is the most dangerous time to be on the road, with traffic density and fatigue creating a recipe for collisions.
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Fridays and Sundays consistently see the highest number of crashes, likely tied to end-of-week commuting, weekend trips, and social gatherings.
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Seasonally, crashes peak in August, May, and December, coinciding with heavy travel periods such as summer vacations and holiday celebrations.
Holiday Travel Hazards
The data also identifies particularly hazardous windows around major holidays. Drivers should take extra care during:
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Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. – when roadways fill with travelers heading to family gatherings.
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Black Friday, noon–4 p.m. – a busy shopping day that combines heavy traffic with fatigued or distracted drivers.
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Weekends before Christmas and New Year’s – when crowded malls and holiday parties contribute to congestion and impaired driving risks.
On a monthly scale, the study notes heightened risks around New Year’s Day, when alcohol-related crashes spike, and late summer, just before Labor Day, when vacation travel is at its peak.
What This Means for Drivers
For consumers, the findings underscore the importance of looking past aesthetics, horsepower, or price tags when choosing a vehicle. Safety ratings, recall history, and visibility should be key considerations in the buying process. A stylish pickup or sporty sedan may appeal to drivers, but hidden drawbacks like blind spots or recurring mechanical issues can elevate crash risks.
Current owners of high-risk models don’t necessarily need to trade in their vehicles but should take steps to drive more defensively. This includes maintaining proper vehicle upkeep, staying alert during high-risk times, and adjusting travel plans around peak danger windows whenever possible.
Final Takeaway
The Chaikin Trial Group study makes one point clear: accident risk is shaped by both vehicle choice and driving behavior. While certain cars appear more often in crash data, external factors like driver demographics, road conditions, and seasonal travel also weigh heavily. By combining smarter vehicle decisions with greater awareness of when accidents are most likely to occur, drivers can reduce their chances of becoming another statistic.
