| • 58,319 vehicles were involved in fatal crashes across the U.S. in 2023. |
| • Light trucks (pickups, crossovers, and SUVs) were involved in the highest number — 25,336 deadly crashes. |
| • The majority of fatal crashes are caused by human choices and behavior, such as drunk driving, failing to wear a seat belt, and speeding. |
In the U.S. in 2023, there were 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities (a 4.3% decrease on 2022’s 42,721 fatalities). Yet beyond those numbers lies another story: the types of vehicles most involved in deadly crashes.
This study reveals the vehicle types and brands that most feature in crashes on U.S. roads. We’ll also look at the age groups most involved in vehicle crashes, and unpick the behavior that causes road accidents.
Let’s start by looking at the vehicle types that were involved in most road fatalities during 2023.
The Vehicle Types Involved in Most Fatal Crashes
When we consider the types of vehicles most involved in fatal crashes on U.S. roads, we can see clear evidence of how the changing complexion of America’s roads has directly influenced its crash numbers.
Light trucks (a category that includes pickups, crossovers, and SUVs) were involved in the highest number (25,336) of deadly crashes. These figures emphasize how much the gradual rise in large vehicle ownership has reshaped road risk.
With light trucks now the preferred choice for many American families, their comparatively high center of gravity and increased mass also mean greater force upon impact, which often manifests as injuries more severe than those inflicted by smaller vehicles.
Passenger cars accounted for 18,778 fatal crashes, a figure that represents the second-largest share and which reflects the high number of ‘regular’ cars on the road.
Motorcycles were involved in 6,432 fatal crashes, a significant figure when we consider the comparatively small number of motorcycles on the road compared to other vehicle types. This confirms the high amount of danger motorcyclists face, with motorcycles (often travelling at high speeds) far more vulnerable to serious accidents than other types of vehicles.
Large trucks were involved in 5,375 fatal crashes, and continue to pose a significant danger due to their size and weight. This is especially true on interstate routes and rural highways where long-haul freight is particularly prevalent.
Buses accounted for 244 crashes, while other or unknown vehicle types tallied 2,154 fatal crashes, a small but noteworthy number for a category that typically includes specialty or unclassified vehicles.
In total, 58,319 vehicles were involved in fatal crashes across the U.S. in 2023. That’s a shocking number that represents thousands of individual tragedies. The underlying data also provides critical insight into where safety interventions could have the most impact.
From increased crash-avoidance technology in light trucks and motorcycle visibility enhancements to stricter oversight of large commercial fleets, the data highlights the continuing need for targeted, vehicle-specific safety strategies to save lives on America’s roads.
Another key reason for so many lost lives is preventable, dangerous driver behaviour. Here are the main examples.
Behavioral Factors That Lead To Crashes
The 2023 NHTSA study data tells us that, of the 58,319 vehicles involved in fatal crashes in the U.S., most were linked to preventable human behaviors. The single most common preventable factor was the failure to wear a seat belt, with 17,872 crashed vehicles involving unbelted occupants.
Despite decades of public awareness campaigns, a failure to wear a seat belt remains a leading contributor to road deaths, illustrating how small decisions can carry life-or-death consequences.
Drunk driving was also a huge crash factor, with 17,152 vehicles involved in fatal accidents due to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) higher than the national legal limit (0.08 g/dL). Alcohol impairment continues to account for nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities, reflecting both the persistence of such irresponsible behavior and the low impact of present deterrents.
Speeding, another long-standing cause of serious crashes, was the main factor in 10,743 vehicles involved in fatal road incidents, emphasizing how excessive speed reduces reaction times and increases the likelihood of catastrophic injury.
Meanwhile, distracted drivers accounted for the involvement of 3,143 vehicles in fatal accidents, with cell phone use and eating while driving among the determining examples.
With technology now a key part of daily life, distracted driving has emerged as one of the most complex safety challenges for policymakers when it comes to safety campaigns and enforcement.
The remaining 9,409 vehicles involved in fatal accidents crashed due to ‘other’ (or ‘unknown’) causes, including fatigue, poor weather conditions, medical emergencies, or mechanical failures. While these factors represent a smaller proportion of overall crash involvement, they help to emphasize the complex, varied nature of road risk and the need for a clear, precise range of prevention strategies.
Overall, these figures show that the majority of fatal crashes are not random tragedies but preventable events driven by human choices and behavior.
Whether it’s neglecting a seat belt, driving drunk, or texting someone when your eyes should be on the road, dangerous driver behavior collectively accounts for tens of thousands of lost lives every year. Harsher enforcement, better delivered public education, and a wider deployment of vehicle safety technologies remain essential to reversing dangerous trends and creating safer roads for everyone.
The aforementioned data covers driver behavior. Yet, in each case, a specific car brand is involved. So which car brands are most often involved in fatal crashes in the United States?
The Vehicle Brands Most Involved in Fatal Crashes
2023 road accident data tells us that Chevrolet (7,261) and Ford (7,150) were the two vehicle brands most involved in fatal crashes. Together, these American automakers accounted for nearly a quarter of all fatal road crashes. This reflects both their dominant share of the U.S. vehicle market and the popularity of relatively heavy-duty models like the Silverado, F-Series, and Explorer.
Third place in the rankings is taken by Toyota (5,161 fatal crash involvements), which continues its enduring presence as one of the most widely driven brands in the U.S. Honda ranks fourth (4,453 fatal crash incidents), with Nissan rounding out the top five (3,279)
The other top ten places were taken by Dodge (2,419 fatal crash incidents), Jeep (1,742), GMC (1,732), Hyundai (1,606), and Kia (1,456), a mix of domestic and international manufacturers. Cumulatively, the ten brands represent the vast majority of vehicles on American roads.
The presence of multiple brands from the same corporate families, such as General Motors (Chevrolet and GMC) and Stellantis (Dodge and Jeep), also illustrates how large automakers dominate both sales and road exposure in the U.S. market.
While these figures tell us which brands appear most frequently in fatal crashes, they don’t indicate fault, safety ratings, or crashworthiness. Instead, they largely reflect miles logged and the number of vehicles each manufacturer has on the road, as well as differences in driving patterns, vehicle types, and regional preferences.
For example, brands with a high proportion of pickup trucks and large SUVs usually have greater representation in rural, high-speed crashes.
Ultimately, this brand crash data underscores that fatal vehicle incidents are far more tied to driver behavior, environment, and road miles covered than they are due to brand safety issues.
As automakers continue to integrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and collision avoidance technologies, education and enforcement remain key to addressing the human behavioral factors (speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and non-use of a seat belt) that cause most fatal outcomes.
Narrowing our focus, let’s consider the specific vehicle models most frequently involved in fatal crashes.
The Vehicle Models Most Involved in Fatal Crashes
In 2023, the top ten vehicle models most frequently involved in fatal crashes were a mix of pickups, sedans, and SUVs, reflecting both the popularity of these models and the diverse ways Americans use their vehicles.
Leading the list was the Ford F-150, involved in an estimated 1,615 fatal crashes, followed closely by the Chevrolet Silverado (1,561).
Both pickups have long dominated U.S. sales charts, and their high crash involvement closely aligns with their presence on the road. Among passenger cars, models involved in high numbers of crashes include the Honda Accord (1,120), Toyota Camry (1,045), Honda Civic (996), Toyota Corolla (921), and Nissan Altima (905), all big sellers popular with daily commuters.
The remainder of the top ten vehicle models were larger, performance-oriented models, including the Dodge Ram 1500 (884), Jeep Grand Cherokee (799), and GMC Sierra 1500 (765).
The data consolidates the fact that America’s most popular brands (Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Dodge, Jeep, GMC) are also those most often involved in deadly crashes.
This reflects vehicle prevalence, and also broader road safety challenges across vehicle types, from work trucks and family sedans to compact SUVs.
One of the road safety challenges in question is the matter of campaigns targeted towards specific age and gender demographics. And by looking at the following data, we can clearly see who needs the highest level of focus.
The Driver Age Groups Involved in Most Fatal Crashes
In 2023, of 40,901 U.S. motor vehicle fatalities, young and middle-aged adults were by a significant margin the most affected group. 25-34 year-olds (7,572 fatalities), 16-24 year-olds (6,693), and 35-44 year-olds (6,405) suffered the highest number of motor vehicle crash deaths.
These groups typically represent the nation’s most active drivers: commuting the most, traveling the most often, and engaging in disproportionate high-risk driving behaviors such as speeding or driving under the influence.
Road crash death numbers begin to decline among older age groups, with 5,240 deaths attributed to 45-54 year-olds, and 5,636 recorded for those aged 55 to 64. This suggests that experience behind the wheel may have fostered marginally safer driving practices.
Beyond midlife, the numbers continue to decline: 4,261 deaths among 65-74 year-olds, 2,640 attributed to 75-84 year-olds, and drivers and passengers aged 85 and older suffering just 976 motor vehicle fatalities.
(While these figures clearly confirm the most vulnerable drivers and passengers, it’s important to note that 220 victims were listed with unknown or unreported ages, so true totals may vary slightly.)
Overall, this data tells us two key things: all generations, from inexperienced teen drivers to aging adults, face considerable road risk at all times. And yet, targeted safety measures for specific age and gender demographics are especially urgent, with men between 16 and 44 years of age representing disproportionate risk.
Summary
In 2023, 40,901 people died in a motor vehicle crash in the United States. Behind the numbers lies a complex picture involving vehicle types, driver behaviors, and demographic prevalences, all of which shape these tragedies.
The breakdown of the 58,319 vehicles involved in fatal crashes reveals how vehicle type and driver behavior intersect on American roads. Light trucks, including pickups, SUVs, and crossovers, accounted for the largest share (25,336 crashes), reflecting the country’s growing preference for larger vehicles.
Passenger cars followed with 18,778, while motorcycles, despite a significantly lower presence on the road, were involved in 6,432 deadly crashes. Large trucks were involved in a significant 5,375 fatal accidents, with buses accounting for 244, and an additional 2,154 crashes involving other or unknown vehicle types.
Education and enforcement remain key to addressing the human behavioral factors (speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and non–use of a seat belt) that cause most fatal outcomes
Behavioral factors played a significant role in the vast majority of crash fatalities. Unbelted occupants were involved in 17,872 deadly crashes (the single most common factor), followed by drunk driving (17,152), speeding (10,743), and distracted driving (3,143).
The remaining 9,409 crashes were linked to weather, fatigue, or mechanical issues: overall, the numbers clearly show how preventable behaviors continue to dominate fatal crash causes.
In terms of vehicle brand, Chevrolet and Ford topped the list, with 7,261 and 7,150 vehicles involved in fatal crashes: next up were Toyota (5,161), Honda (4,453), and Nissan (3,279). The dominance of these brands reflects their vast presence on U.S. roads.
Popular models such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry were also among the most frequently involved in fatal crashes, illustrating how America’s best-selling vehicles naturally dominate crash data.
Demographically, fatalities were highest among drivers aged 25 to 34, who accounted for 7,572 deaths, followed by those aged 16 to 24 (6,693) and 35 to 44 (6,405).
Numbers declined steadily with age but remained substantial among older adults, with 5,636 deaths among those aged 55 to 64 and nearly 3,600 among individuals over 75. An additional 220 victims were reported with unknown ages, slightly influencing totals.
These cumulative findings emphasize that while U.S. road death numbers are slightly down, the underlying risks remain consistent. The prevalence of large vehicles, persistent risky behaviors, and generational driving differences continue to shape the nation’s traffic safety landscape.
Ultimately, most fatal crashes, far from being unfortunate accidents, are preventable events that demand stronger enforcement, better education, and continued evolution and deployment when it comes to vehicle safety technology.
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