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Drivers of Luxury Cars Are More Likely to Be in Fatal Crashes Caused by Speed

A new study shows that drivers of luxury cars are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents caused by speed. Owners of non-luxury brands are more likely to be involved in crashes involving hit and run, the same figures reveal.
Infiniti drivers are more likely to cause fatal accidents involving speed, alcohol and hit and run, study finds 26 photos
Photo: TireReviewsAndMore.com
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TireReviewsAndMore looked at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for figures of fatal crashes across the U.S. in 2017, to see if there was any connection between the cause of the crash and the make or the car, where it was made or whether it was luxury or not.

Some patterns emerge with 20 of the most popular car brands, though the company warns that they should not serve to generalize: caution on the road must be exercised at all times and not only when you see those brands that received top “worst” honors in the research. Speaking of which, Infiniti vehicles ranked first in terms of fatal crashes involving 3 of the 5 deadly causes analyzed.

To put it differently, Infiniti came first for deadly crashes involving speed, alcohol consumption and hit and run. Pontiac topped the charts for the other 2 deadly causes, marijuana and drug use.

“Our findings suggest that individuals in certain vehicles may be more likely to drive dangerously, while other brands are associated with responsibility behind the wheel,” the research says.

Drivers of Acura, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus are also more likely to be involved in fatal crashes caused by speeding; Acura, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz made the top 5 of fatal accidents caused by drunk-driving; Mitsubishi, Acura and BMW are among the most likely vehicles to be involved in fatal crashes caused by marijuana consumption; Buick / Opel, Infinit and Saturn are the makes more likely to cause a fatal crash after drug consumption; Mercedes-Benz, Acura, Lexus and Chrysler made the top 5 for fatal crashes involving hit and run.

The study notes that, while the findings should only serve as a warning on the need to be extra careful on the road, they still confirm some long-established assumptions. One of them is that owners of luxury cars can and do drive more recklessly.

“Speeding and intoxicated driving are exceedingly dangerous activities in any vehicle – and every car can be operated recklessly,” the study concludes. “If you witness another driver behaving erratically or irresponsibly, keep a safe distance and prepare yourself to take evasive maneuvers if necessary. Our data may present significant differences between certain brands, but vigilance is warranted regardless of the cars around you on the road.”
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
Elena Gorgan profile photo

Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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