Families across Texas and the nation should take note: a new study identifies the Chevrolet Camaro as the riskiest first car for teenage drivers. The analysis, conducted by Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers and shared with The Dallas Express, evaluated 22 popular models on safety, crash‑avoidance technology, and affordability.
How the Camaro ranked
The Camaro received a safety score of 21.06 out of 100 and an overall score of 41.83, the lowest among the vehicles examined. Its crashworthiness rating was a 2 on a four‑point scale, and it earned only a 1‑out‑of‑3 rating for safety technology. By contrast, the Jeep Wrangler placed second, followed by the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Mustang and Toyota Tacoma.
What the numbers mean
Researchers looked at fatal‑crash data, crash‑test results, safety‑tech features, purchase price, monthly operating costs and maintenance expenses. Lower scores indicate greater risk or lower affordability. The study also highlighted that the Camaro lacks pedestrian‑front‑crash‑prevention technology, earning a “Poor” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for that category.
Real‑world danger
IIHS data from July 2026 shows 88 Camaro driver deaths per 1 million registered vehicle years, more than double the 37‑per‑million average for the other models studied. The Camaro was also linked to 87 deaths of drivers in other vehicles per 1 million vehicle years. IIHS President David Harkey warned that powerful engines and aggressive marketing draw risky driving behavior, especially among teens.
Teen driver risk overall
Teen drivers already face crash rates more than four times higher than drivers age 20 and older, according to IIHS. Speed is a major factor; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that speeding contributed to 33 % of fatal crashes involving 15‑ to 18‑year‑old drivers in 2024. That year, crashes involving teen drivers claimed 2,320 lives, including 752 teen drivers and 478 passengers.
Guidance for families
Consumer Reports and IIHS advise families to avoid sports cars and high‑horsepower vehicles for new drivers. Recommended choices feature strong crash‑test performance, automatic emergency braking, manageable power and sufficient weight to protect occupants without the handling challenges of high‑performance models.
While the Conboy ranking is not a government safety designation, its findings align with broader federal and industry data warning against placing inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of powerful sports cars. Parents should consider federal crash ratings, active safety equipment, insurance costs and the teenager’s driving experience when selecting a first vehicle.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
