Summary
– Battery electric vehicles and hybrids are more likely to strike pedestrians than gas or diesel vehicles, especially in urban areas.
– Factors contributing to this phenomenon include the likelihood of electric vehicles traveling into city centers and being purchased by younger, less experienced drivers.
– Electric vehicles are quieter than gas or diesel vehicles, making them harder for pedestrians to detect.
– The government needs to address these risks if they are going to phase out the sale of petrol and diesel cars.
– A study focusing on road accidents in the UK from 2013 to 2017 found that a quarter of pedestrian casualties were a result of being hit by a battery-powered car.
Article
An analysis of British road traffic accidents in a recent study has shown that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids are more likely to strike pedestrians compared to gas or diesel vehicles. The study, based on data from 32 billion miles of BEV and HEV travel as well as over 3 trillion miles traveled in gas and diesel vehicles, revealed that electric-powered cars were three times more likely to hit pedestrians in urban areas. Some contributing factors to this phenomenon include the increased likelihood of EVs and Hybrids traveling into city centers where pedestrians are present, as well as the quieter nature of electric vehicles which make them harder for pedestrians to hear.
One of the reasons for the higher probability of electric vehicles hitting pedestrians could be the fact that they are more likely to be driven by younger and less experienced drivers. Additionally, the quietness of EVs and Hybrids, even with pedestrian warning systems installed, can make it difficult for pedestrians to assess the speed and distance of these vehicles. This could lead to accidents as pedestrians may not be aware of the presence of an electric vehicle until it is too late. Phil Edwards, the first author of the study, emphasized the importance of drivers of electric cars being extra cautious and pedestrians being vigilant when navigating roads.
The study focused on road accident data in the UK from 2013 to 2017, analyzing a total of 916,713 car crash casualties, with around 13 percent being pedestrians. Shockingly, a quarter of pedestrian casualties were due to being hit by a battery-powered car. Despite the significantly higher number of miles traveled by gas and diesel cars, the prevalence of pedestrian crashes involving EVs and hybrids is a major concern. The researchers advocate for the government to address these risks, especially as the sale of petrol and diesel cars is phased out in favor of electric vehicles.
Drivers transitioning to electric cars are advised to be mindful of the differences in operating these vehicles, including their quieter nature which may pose a hazard to pedestrians who rely on auditory cues to navigate roads. Remaining alert and cautious while driving an electric vehicle is crucial in ensuring the safety of pedestrians on the road. Similarly, pedestrians are encouraged to be vigilant and attentive, even when crossing streets legally or using their phones. It is essential for both drivers and pedestrians to share the responsibility of ensuring road safety, regardless of the type of vehicle being driven.
In conclusion, the study highlights the increased risk of pedestrian accidents involving battery electric vehicles and hybrids in comparison to gas or diesel vehicles. The quietness of electric cars, combined with factors such as younger and less experienced drivers, can contribute to this risk. As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, steps need to be taken to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of pedestrians on the road. Both drivers and pedestrians play a crucial role in preventing accidents and promoting road safety in a changing automotive landscape.
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