The market for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow despite some setbacks. But should drivers expect our roads to be safer or more dangerous based on the increase in EVs?
Things could certainly change as new companies enter the market. But right now, when looking at car accidents, EVs have a slightly better safety record than their gas competitors.
What Does the Accident Data Say?
Statistics gathered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that EV drivers file fewer claims for injuries suffered in car accidents. And the data was not comparing all EVs to all gas cars. Instead, the data reflects injury claims from EV drivers compared to those from drivers of the non-EV version of those same vehicles.
The difference in rate of injury was stark. Electric vehicles were tied to 40 percent fewer injury claims than their gas counterparts.
Plus, pickup trucks generally don’t receive top safety grades from the IIHS. The only exception from 2024 was the Rivian R1T. This shows that even EV trucks can be safer.
There are many reasons for drivers to prefer either an electric or gas vehicle; however, if safety is your only concern, it appears that an EV is the way to go.
What Makes Electric Vehicles Safer?
There are several reasons why EVs might be safer than gas cars. First of all, gasoline releases huge amounts of energy when it burns. That’s why it’s able to power your vehicle. Unfortunately, when an accident releases that gasoline, the consequences can be disastrous.
Secondly, EVs often have a lower center of gravity than gas cars. That’s because batteries are very heavy and are placed at the bottom of the vehicle. Most gas cars have their engines in the front of the vehicle, leading to a less stable configuration.
For similar reasons, the build of an EV may help prevent injuries. The lack of an engine in the front allows EVs to be built with better crash resistance. The batteries themselves may also help shield drivers from harm.
When Are EVs Less Safe Than Gas Counterparts?
Early versions of EVs gained notoriety for bursting into flames that were much harder to put out than those related to gas car accidents. While still possible, that type of accident is still far less common than others, leading to superior accident numbers for EVs.
Electric cars have posed added dangers to pedestrians due to their more stealthy nature. Gas engines make more noise. That noise can warn pedestrians and cyclists of an approaching car or truck. EVs don’t naturally make that noise. That’s why some safety efforts involve making EVs noisier to help avoid pedestrian accidents.
Legal Help After a Car Accident
Motor vehicle accident cases are difficult. If you’ve been involved in an accident, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled personal injury lawyers help people who have been involved in Texas crashes. Call us today at 972-450-1418 to discuss your situation.
