Electric Vehicles More Likely to Hit Pedestrians Than Gasoline Cars, Study Finds

Introduction

A recent study conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has revealed that pedestrians are twice as likely to be hit by an electric or hybrid vehicle than a vehicle powered by gasoline or diesel. The researchers suggest that the quiet nature of electric vehicles and the high density of pedestrians in noisy urban areas could be significant contributing factors.

Study Findings

The study found that for every 100 million miles driven, electric and hybrid vehicles had a pedestrian casualty rate of 5.16, which is more than double the 2.4 rate recorded for traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Electric Vehicles and Climate Change

The transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is seen as a crucial step in reducing the more than seven billion metric tons of carbon dioxide that the global transport sector emits each year. The Biden-Harris administration has set a goal to make half of all new vehicle sales in the United States electric by 2030. This is part of the government's mission to achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

Drawbacks of Electric Vehicles

Despite their environmental benefits, electric vehicles have their downsides. They typically have a higher price tag than comparable gasoline cars, and their range can decrease by as much as 12% when temperatures drop to 20 degrees. This figure can increase to 40% if the cabin heater is turned on.

Electric Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety

The study led by Dr. Phil J. Edwards at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has added another potential concern to the list: electric vehicles may be more prone to accidents. The researchers stress that the study is not intended to criticize electric vehicles, but rather to highlight the need for drivers to be extra cautious of pedestrians.

Autonomous Vehicles: A Potential Solution

With electric vehicles predicted to make up 60-70% of the U.S. fleet by 2050, the higher likelihood of accidents could become a significant issue. However, a potential solution could lie in driverless cars. Google’s Waymo found that its driverless cars were 6.7 times less likely than human drivers to be involved in a crash resulting in an injury. This represents an 85% reduction over human drivers.

Public Perception of Autonomous Vehicles

Despite the potential safety benefits of autonomous vehicles, public distrust remains a significant obstacle. A report by Forbes Advisor found that 93% of U.S. citizens have concerns about some aspect of self-driving cars. However, advancements in AI technology could potentially accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles.

Conclusion

The growing adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) could also help make electric vehicles safer. A study by McKinsey suggests that ADAS could reduce the number of accidents in Europe by about 15% by 2030. This article raises interesting questions about the balance between the environmental benefits of electric vehicles and their potential safety risks. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and engage in a discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.