Hybrid cars are safer because they are heavier claim

Passengers in hybrid-powered cars are about 25% less likely to be injured in a crash than those in their conventional-powered counterparts, according to research released by the Highway Loss Data Institute, which claims that the additional weight of the hybrid engine adds an extra layer of safety over similar, non-hybrid cars. Cars with hybrid engines typically weigh about 10% more than their conventionally-powered twins.
May 14, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSPassengers in hybrid-powered cars are about 25% less likely to be injured in a crash than those in their conventional-powered counterparts, according to research released by the 5523 Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI), which claims that the additional weight of the hybrid engine adds an extra layer of safety over similar, non-hybrid cars. Cars with hybrid engines typically weigh about 10% more than their conventionally-powered twins.

“This new research shows that hybrid engines not only save fuel, but they may save lives,” claimed Candysse Miller, executive director of the 5524 Insurance Information Network of California. “Choosing a car that saves gas doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on safety.”

The research compared 25 hybrid cars and their petrol-powered versions of the same vehicles, including the 2728 Toyota Camry, 3423 Ford Fusion and the 2288 Honda Accord. The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, which are not available with petrol-power only, were not included in the study. However the findings make no mention of any analysis into the types of people who choose to buy hybrid cars and does not reveal any evaluation of their driving styles, which may show a somewhat different perspective on the research. Experience would suggest that owners of hybrid cars are less likely to be people who drive at speed or who are attracted by high performance, details that the research seems to have overlooked.

A separate analysis by the HLDI found that hybrids may be as much as 20% more likely to be involved in collisions with pedestrians than their petrol-powered counterparts, likely due to their quiet engines. The US 2467 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently developing policy to equip electric and hybrid cars with sounds to alert unsuspecting pedestrians.

Related Content

  • Driving safety courses prove safer
    May 15, 2018
    Research in the UK into drivers who opt to take speed awareness courses instead of taking points on their driving licence after an offence shows they are less likely to reoffend. The national speed awareness courses (NSAC) have been offered as an alternative for drivers after being caught speeding up to set values in excess of posted limits, instead of taking points on the licence. This system was introduced in the UK some years ago. Drivers taking the NSAC options have to pay £100 and are typically given a
    Read More
  • Carry on Movin’ On - Michelin’s mobility event
    October 15, 2018
    Many of the great and the good in the global mobility sector gathered at this year’s Movin’ On event in Montreal. Measured regulation of technologies and safety issues were major themes, reports David Arminas Autonomous vehicles, platooning, smart intersections and safety – these were the talking points over two and half days of the Movin’ On event in Montreal. Everyone in the mobility sector is at the same point, trying to see what mobility will look like in the future. Apparent at the event was just
    Read More
  • Joy riding
    August 15, 2019
    Our Skidmarks page is highly rated by readers. Your input could help make this page even more entertaining. If you come across any amusing road-related stories or pictures email me at [email protected] JOY RIDING A couple in the US recently took advantage of the self-driving features of a Tesla car for reasons other than transportation. They ignored the suggestions from Tesla to remain alert even when the vehicle was using its self-drive mode and instead engaged in sexual acts, which they recorded on vid
    Read More
  • Cars have electric future
    February 23, 2012
    The market for electric cars looks set to expand rapidly as the technology improves. Past vehicles have suffered from poor range imposed particularly by limitations in available battery technology.
    Read More

Highlighted Content