Worrying side effects of the electric vehicle revolution

In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, electric cars seemed like the perfect solution. Advantages included lower running costs, environmentally friendly, no congestion charges, reduced noise pollution, renewable electricity tariffs, and being notoriously quieter, to name a few. But despite their ‘green presence’, do electric vehicles still pose many of the same dangers as that of any other vehicle on the road?

The road to net zero might be paved with good intentions, but has this come at a cost to the growing number of injured pedestrians who have been run over by a car they never heard coming?. Pedestrians, who have become accustomed over time to the noise of a traditional engine, are often completely unaware of the near-silent approach of an electric car.

Nicola Christie, professor in transport safety at UCL said:

“ people rely on sound to judge the presence, speed and location of vehicles. When these cues are missing this could be very problematic for people in busy urban areas.  The problem could be exacerbated for people with poor visual acuity or for children who find it hard to judge the speed and distance of vehicles”

But a difficulty hearing electric cars is not the only problem. Electric cars also have swift acceleration and are usually much heavier, with some weighing twice their petrol or diesel equivalent, making stopping distances longer.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, electric and hybrid cars are almost 40% more likely to cause accidents involving pedestrians than conventional vehicles.

According to an analysis of British road traffic accidents, research has shown that electric cars are more likely to strike pedestrians, particularly in towns and cities. Even with the requirement to produce sound, electric and hybrid vehicles remain much more quieter than other cars on the road.  Electric vehicles are much quieter because they do not have engines. Instead, they have a motor system that is battery-operated, meaning it doesn’t give out noise emissions. This is particularly prominent at speeds of below 30mph, meaning that often, pedestrians cannot hear the car approaching until it is too late, resulting in a collision.

In July 2019, new legislation was introduced, instructing EV manufacturers to install an acoustic sound system for electric and hybrid vehicles to improve road safety. The legislation now requires that vehicles produce a sound when they are reversing or driving above 20mph. Whilst this is helpful for newer models, all electric cars manufactured before July 2019 are still without the recommended sound system.  In view of the stark rise in pedestrian accidents caused by electric cars, should the Government now be called upon to take steps to ensure that all older EV models are retrofitted with an acoustic sound system to improve safety?

Data from 32bn miles of battery powered car travel showed that mile for mile electric cars were twice as likely to hit pedestrians than a conventional vehicle and three times more likely to do so in urban areas.

Why eco friendly cars are more hazardous remains unclear. Research suggests that drivers of electric cars tend to be younger and less experienced, and with the vehicles being much quieter, it makes them harder to hear, especially in towns and cities.

Phil Edwards, first author on the study and professor of epidemiology and statistics stated:-

“ The Government needs to mitigate these risks if they are going to phase out the sale of petrol and diesel cars.  If you are moving to an electric car remember it’s a new kind of vehicle. They are much quieter than the old fashioned cars and pedestrians have learnt to navigate roads by listening to traffic. Drivers of these vehicles need to be extra cautious”

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving an electric vehicle, you may be able to claim compensation. This compensation can help fund future care costs and cover any lost earnings incurred because of your accident. As with any other road accident or personal injury claim, it is important to get in touch with a specialist personal injury solicitor as soon as you are able. Our expert team can assist and advise you on the next steps.

Forbes Solicitors have an experienced Personal Injury Claims Team dealing with all aspects of road traffic, pedestrian and cycling accidents on a no win, no fee basis. For a free consultation, or to receive further information relating to any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Lisa Atkinson, Senior Associate at Forbes Solicitors in Blackburn or call another member of the Claims team on 01254 872111. Alternatively use our Online Contact Form.