A recent study warns that pedestrians are twice as likely to be hit by electric vehicles (EVs) than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. The research, conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, highlights the increased danger posed by electric vehicles due to their quieter operation. The risk is three times greater in urban areas with higher background noise.
The study’s findings revealed a pedestrian casualty rate of 5.16 per 100 million miles driven for electric and hybrid vehicles, such as the Tesla and Toyota Prius. This rate is significantly higher than the 2.4 per 100 million miles recorded for traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Dr. Phil Edwards, who led the study, suggests that the lower audibility of EVs may be a contributing factor. “One plausible explanation is they are less audible,” he said. Dr. Edwards also noted that younger drivers, who are generally less experienced, might be more attracted to EVs due to their environmental benefits, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents. “Younger, less experienced drivers are more likely to be involved in a road traffic collision and are also more likely to own an electric car,” he added.
Dr. Edwards emphasized the need for increased caution among EV drivers. “Drivers of electric or hybrid-electric cars must be cautious of pedestrians who may not hear them approaching and may step into the road,” he advised. He further stressed the importance of addressing the greater risk to pedestrian safety as governments move forward with plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles.
In addition to posing an inherent safety risk, EVs also pose a national security risk. The National Pulse previously reported how most EV sales enrich Communist China due to the country’s monopoly on the EV battery market. Moreover, Chinese-made EVs can be used for espionage and data harvesting.
