Americans who are concerned about the state of the environment are increasingly opting to purchase electric cars and electric-gas hybrid models. These cars run on little to no gasoline and therefore are better for the planet than more traditional models are. However, many people have questioned whether electric models are more likely to be involved in car accidents.
During this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) addressed these concerns directly. Specifically, he told representatives of the publication Bloomberg Businessweek that while electric cars are no more hazardous than vehicles that run on gasoline overall, they do pose different safety risks than models with internal-combustion engines do.
One issue that is currently making the unique hazards posed by electric vehicles more pressing is the fact that motorists, “Aren’t used to the new challenges that electric vehicles pose,” according to deputy administrator David Strickland. Greater education on unique issues like risk of overheating may help mitigate some hazards posed by the use of electric models.
When advancements are made to the existing model of producing vehicles, some improvements are likely to result and some disadvantages are likely to surface as well. As a result, it is important for consumers to thoroughly research any unique challenges that may affect newer vehicle models. Failure to do so could lead to preventable properly damage and even preventable bodily harm. Consumers should also contact experienced personal injury attorneys if they are harmed by newer models in ways that could not have reasonably been anticipated.
Source: Green Cars Report, “Electric Car Risk: Different, Not Worse, Says Top NHTSA Regulator,” Stephen Edelstein, Jan. 22, 2014