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A new study has revealed that pedestrians in Great Britain are significantly more likely to be involved in collisions with electric or hybrid vehicles compared to those powered by gasoline or diesel. The findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, underscore potential safety hazards associated with quieter electric and hybrid cars, particularly in urban areas.
The research, spanning casualty rates from 2013 to 2017, analyzed data from the Road Safety Data (STATS19) and National Travel Survey (NTS). It encompassed a total of 32 billion miles traveled by electric and hybrid vehicles, and 3 trillion miles by gasoline and diesel vehicles. During this period, there were 120,197 pedestrian casualties from road traffic collisions, with 1,652 involving electric or hybrid cars.
Key findings highlight that collisions with pedestrians were twice as likely with electric and hybrid vehicles compared to their fossil-fueled counterparts. This risk was more pronounced in urban settings, where 94% of electric or hybrid vehicle collisions occurred, compared to 88% for gasoline or diesel vehicles.
The study’s lead researchers emphasize the urgent need for governmental action to mitigate these risks, especially as countries accelerate the phase-out of fossil-fueled vehicles to combat climate change. “Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death, particularly among young people, and pedestrians are disproportionately affected,” they noted.
One of the study’s limitations includes data only up to 2017 and incomplete vehicle coding in a significant number of cases. Researchers also speculate that the quieter nature of electric vehicles in urban environments, where ambient noise levels are higher, could contribute to the heightened risk for pedestrians.
Despite these concerns, the researchers advocate for active transportation modes like walking and cycling, suggesting that awareness of potential risks can guide safety measures. They underscore the importance of ensuring that advancements in vehicle technology align with pedestrian safety as part of broader public health and environmental goals.
As governments continue to transition to cleaner transportation solutions, addressing the safety implications highlighted by this study will be crucial in safeguarding pedestrians and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
For further details, the study “Pedestrian safety on the road to net zero: cross-sectional study of collisions with electric and hybrid-electric cars in Great Britain” can be accessed in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (2024).
