Hybrid cars have made headlines in the last decade for their fuel efficiency and perceived friendliness to the environment.
The study examined insurance claims filed between 2003 and 2011 for vehicles that come in both hybrid and non-hybrid versions. They looked at injuries suffered by drivers and passengers in both sets of vehicles, as well as injuries to third parties like pedestrians or onlookers. The data revealed that the chances of being injured in a hybrid vehicle during an accident are 25 percent lower than in a non-hybrid vehicle.
What Factors Reduce Injury Risk in a Hybrid Car?
Researchers working on the HLDI study offered several possible reasons that driving a hybrid car might be safer.
First, hybrid cars tend to be heavier than their non-hybrid counterparts: they weigh about 10 percent more than similar cars. More weight helps protect the occupants from outside forces, such as another vehicle slamming into theirs, during an accident.
Also, hybrid cars encourage slower and more cautious driving behavior. In a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor takes over at low speeds, conserving gasoline; the gas-powered motor does not kick in until the vehicle passes a certain speed threshold. Therefore, drivers of these vehicles are likely to move more slowly, especially when starting from a stop at an intersection or driveway, to conserve fuel. This cautiousness can help drivers spot and avoid potential accidents.
Cars are part of the daily lives of millions of New Jersey residents, but they can also come with certain risks. If you’re injured in a car accident or by a defective car part, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer who can help you seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
