Summary
– Study shows hybrid and electric cars are more likely to hit pedestrians
– Factors that contribute include quieter engines and younger, less experienced drivers
– Electric cars pose a danger due to being less easily heard by pedestrians
– Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death among children and young adults in the UK
– New regulations require electric vehicles to have audio alerts when traveling slowly, but many existing cars still lack this feature
Article
An analysis of British road traffic accidents reveals that hybrid and electric cars are more likely to collide with pedestrians compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, especially in urban areas. Data from 32 billion miles of battery-powered car travel and 3 trillion miles of petrol and diesel car trips show that eco-friendly cars are twice as likely to hit pedestrians. Researchers believe that several factors may contribute to this trend, including the younger and less experienced drivers of electric cars and the quieter nature of electric vehicles, making them less audible to pedestrians in busy towns and cities. Lead author of the study, Phil Edwards, suggests that the government needs to address these risks as the UK plans to phase out the sale of petrol and diesel cars.
In the UK, road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among children and young adults, with pedestrians accounting for a quarter of all road fatalities. A 2017 US Department of Transportation report found that electric and hybrid cars posed a 20% higher risk to pedestrians than fossil fuel-powered vehicles, with a 50% higher risk during low-speed maneuvers. Edwards and his team analyzed UK travel and road accident data from 2013 to 2017, noting that data from 2018 onwards was unavailable due to archiving issues. Their analysis included over 900,000 casualties, with more than 120,000 pedestrians involved, over 96,000 of whom were struck by cars or taxis.
Since July 2019, all new hybrid and electric vehicles sold in Europe are required to have an audio vehicle alerting system that produces sound when the car is moving slowly. However, there are still many electric cars on the road without this device. Edwards suggests that if the government ensured these systems were installed in all electric vehicles and retrofitted them to older models, it would be a step in the right direction to reduce pedestrian collisions involving eco-friendly cars. He emphasizes the importance of adjusting to the quieter nature of electric vehicles and being extra cautious when driving them.
The study’s findings raise concerns about the safety of hybrid and electric cars and the need for enhanced measures to protect pedestrians. The quieter nature of electric vehicles poses a significant risk to pedestrians, particularly in urban areas where noise pollution is already high. As governments around the world push for the adoption of greener transportation options, addressing the safety implications of electric and hybrid cars becomes crucial. Edwards highlights the importance of educating drivers on the differences of these vehicles and the need for additional safety features to prevent pedestrian collisions.
In conclusion, the analysis of British road traffic accidents highlights the elevated risk of pedestrian collisions associated with hybrid and electric cars compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. Factors such as the quieter nature of electric cars and the demographics of their drivers contribute to this heightened risk. Efforts to address these risks include the installation of audio alert systems in all electric vehicles and the need for enhanced caution when driving eco-friendly cars. As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation options, ensuring the safety of pedestrians should be a top priority for policymakers and automakers alike.
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