Pedestrian deaths in the United States climbed significantly over the past 5 years, possibly due to an increase distracted driving and other factors. Whatever the cause, it’s clear crossbreed And tram more dangerous for pedestrians. ONE Recent research in the UK shows that they are twice as likely to strike pedestrians as internal combustion engine vehicles and three times more likely to strike pedestrians in urban areas.
Before going too far, this is not an electric vehicle highlight, and it’s not intended to say that electric vehicles are bad. However, they are quieter than gasoline cars, making it more difficult to hear people approaching, despite being required to do so. create sound at lower speeds. They also tend to be driven by younger, less experienced drivers. While this study took place in the UK, a 2017 study from United States Department of Transportation shows that electric and hybrid vehicles account for 20% high risk Compared to cars powered by internal combustion engines, the risk increases by 50% when traveling at low speeds.
One of the study’s authors, Phil Edwards, said: “Electric cars are a hazard to pedestrians because they are less likely to be heard than gasoline or diesel cars. Governments need to mitigate these risks if they intend to phase out the sale of petrol and diesel cars. If you Switch to electric vehicles, remember that it is a new type of vehicle. They are much quieter than old-fashioned cars, and pedestrians have learned to navigate the road by listening for traffic. Drivers of these vehicles need to be extremely cautious.”
Edwards also cited the stronger acceleration and heavier weight of electric vehicles as issues that could extend their stopping distances. His view is that if the government wants to promote electrification, it also needs to introduce stronger requirements to makes pedestrians safer.
