The article Are electric cars more dangerous for pedestrians than combustion engines? first appeared in the online magazine BASIC thinking. With our newsletter UPDATE you can start the day well informed every morning.
Electric cars are heavier than conventional combustion engines and are significantly quieter in operation. But does that make them more dangerous for pedestrians than petrol or diesel cars? An analysis by the University of Leeds provides insight.
Since their introduction, electric cars have repeatedly been suspected of being more dangerous for other road users than classic combustion engines. Critics primarily point to the higher vehicle weight of many electric cars, which could lead to more serious injuries in a collision.
There is also the concern that electric cars are significantly quieter at low speeds and could be less noticeable to pedestrians or cyclists. But the rapid acceleration of some models is also considered a potential risk factor, fueling the debate about the safety of electric cars on the road.
Researchers from the University of Leeds have addressed the question of whether electric cars are actually more dangerous for pedestrians on the road. The results of the study are likely to allay some of the concerns of critics and noticeably objectify the debate about the safety of electric cars.
Are electric cars more dangerous for pedestrians?
The researchers examined data from the STATS19 database for their study on pedestrian safety. This is the official database of the British Ministry for Transport, in which all reported traffic accidents are listed. For the study, the in the specialist magazine Nature Communications published The researchers led by Professor Zia Wadud evaluated the accident statistics for the years 2019 to 2023.
During the period examined, a total of 71,979 pedestrians were involved in traffic accidents with cars, taxis or private rental cars. 7.36 percent of the accidents occurred in hybrid vehicles, 1.38 percent in electric cars and 91.25 percent in conventional vehicles.
However, although the number of accidents for electric vehicles and conventional vehicles differ significantly, the accident rates based on the number of kilometers driven and the number of vehicles on the roads are very similar. The researchers looked at an annual mileage of around 250 billion miles in Great Britain.
For electric vehicles, the number of pedestrian accidents per billion miles driven was 57.8. Non-electric vehicles were only slightly higher at 58.9 pedestrian accidents per billion miles driven.
Electric cars have better safety technologies
“There were two concerns about electric vehicles and road safety,” explains Wadud, who is Professor of Mobility and Energy Futures at Leeds. “First, whether electric vehicles would increase the number of pedestrian collisions because they are quieter than conventional vehicles. Second, whether pedestrian injuries would be more severe in a collision if an electric vehicle is involved because these vehicles are heavier.”
According to Wadud, the study results now show that “this is not the case”. His hope now is that the results will dispel any misconceptions about the safety of electric vehicles.
Wadud sees the age of electric vehicles as a possible explanation for these results. These are usually much newer and expensive and therefore usually equipped with better security technologies. These technologies would help prevent accidents or limit their effects.
These results suggest that we can reassure the public and policymakers that electric vehicles are not only better for the planet, but also pose no greater risk to pedestrians than the gasoline or diesel vehicles currently on the roads.
The study also cannot confirm the concern that the significantly higher weight of electric cars could lead to more serious injuries in accidents. There is no statistical evidence for this in the data.
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The article Are electric cars more dangerous for pedestrians than combustion engines? first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard or subscribe to our newsletter UPDATE.
As a tech industry expert, I believe that the safety of pedestrians around electric cars versus combustion engines is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While electric cars are generally quieter than combustion engines, potentially making them less noticeable to pedestrians, there are also safety features that can be implemented to mitigate this risk.
For example, electric cars can be equipped with pedestrian detection systems and external speakers that emit sound to alert pedestrians of their presence. Additionally, advancements in autonomous driving technology can help prevent pedestrian accidents by automatically detecting and avoiding obstacles in real-time.
Ultimately, the safety of pedestrians around electric cars depends on a combination of technology, regulations, and public awareness. It is important for manufacturers, policymakers, and the public to work together to address any potential safety concerns and ensure that electric cars are as safe as possible for all road users.
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