Study in London finds EVs and Hybrids twice as likely to hit pedestrians
Pedestrians are twice as likely to be hit by an EV or hybrid car than by a vehicle that runs on gasoline or diesel, according to a study released May 21 by researchers in London.
Though the data was not robust enough to make a clear distinction on the reason for this, researchers of the paper posit that it may come down to the noise an EV or hybrid makes, or lack thereof.
Pedestrians in noisy urban areas were almost three times as likely to be hit by an electric or hybrid car.
“Electric cars are definitely a thing for the future. They are a wonderful way to reduce air pollution,” said lead researcher Phil J. Edwards. “But we must mitigate the danger” to pedestrians. EV drivers “need to be extra cautious of pedestrians.”
They also note that vehicle-caused pedestrian deaths are proliferating as heavy SUVs replace sedans and as the hoods on many pickup.
We reported recently that EV sales are barely at 1% in Malaysia and if that number keeps climbing, we’ll begin to see this data reflected locally as well given the poor conditions of pedestrian roads in Malaysia.
Take this is a public safety message to always look and listen both ways before you cross the street. If it’s too quiet you may be in the presence of an on-coming EV.
