Passenger cars are evolving. However, one thing will remain constant - the need to protect drivers and their passengers from severe and fatal injuries.
Reputed studies reveal that when Americans consider buying new cars, the most significant attributes they seek are safety features and not powerful engines or state-of-the-art audio and navigation systems.
Electric and autonomous cars present new options with high-performance central computers for consumers. However, these kinds of cars also pose new safety challenges.
There are over six million passenger car accidents in the U.S. yearly. The average cost of a car accident in the country is almost $10.000 in medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
If you or your loved ones have suffered injuries in a car accident anywhere in Philadelphia, seek immediate assistance from a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer who will guide you through the intricate legal process, protect your best interests, and work tirelessly to accomplish a favorable outcome for your case.
Electric vs. Gas-powered Cars: Which Are Safer?
Electric and gas-powered cars must meet the same safety standards in the country.
Gas-powered cars and trucks have a significant place in both American culture and industrial progress.
Gas-powered cars have advanced safety features and driver intervention devices to take over when the driver fails to react to audible warnings
Advanced safety features in gas-powered cars include:
● Rearview camera
● Blind-spot monitoring
● Automatic emergency braking
● Automatic high-beam headlights
● Lane-departure warning
● Tire pressure monitor
● Adaptive cruise control
● Rain-sensing wipers
Electric cars now have a wider appeal and acceptance thanks to the transportation revolution in the country.
The percentage of electric cars in new vehicle sales in the country was seven percent in May 2024.
The US Department of Energy notes that electric cars have a lower center of gravity, which increases safety by making them less likely to roll over.
Electric cars promote health because they do not impact the environment adversely like gasoline-powered automobiles. The use of electric cars can also curb noise pollution.
While electric and gas-powered cars both have numerous safety features, society still must bear the brunt of accidents caused by human negligence and carelessness. No matter how safe a car is, when drivers are negligent, they can cause injury, death, and devastation.
Electric vs. Gas Vehicles: Accident Causes
Every year, innovations and technological advancements make gas-powered and electric cars safer. However, both types of cars pose hazards:
Car Fires
Fires due to collisions can turn cars into death traps. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) estimates that thirty-three cars catch fire every hour in the country.
If an accident causes a car to catch fire, the situation can turn devastating in no time. Victims may sustain burn and smoke inhalation injuries.
Gas-powered cars can burst into flames for many reasons. Leading causes of car fires include:
● Gas tank explosion
● The impact of a collision
● Poor car maintenance
● Overheated engines
● Leaking chemical fluids
● Electrical issues
● Short circuits
● Manufacturing defects
● Design flaws
With explosive lithium-ion batteries, fires in electric cars present renewed safety concerns. Lithium is incredibly flammable. It burns at a very high temperature of nearly 840F. Lithium is highly reactive too. Exposure to water or humidity in the air can make lithium start a violent fire. Manufacturing defects and design flaws are other reasons for electric car fires.
Car fires can cause severe burns that can lead to scarring, infections, sepsis, and amputations. Car fires release highly toxic fumes that can cause respiratory issues and lung damage.
Size And Weight
Gas-guzzling pickup trucks and SUVs dominate American roads. When these vehicles collide with more compact cars, the outcome can be horrifying.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), electric cars weigh as much as one-third more than gas-powered cars.
These cars put vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists at risk.
More weight is equivalent to more momentum. This can result in a greater and more forceful impact in a crash.
Electric cars produce more torque. Accessibility to rapid acceleration can cause an inexperienced or careless driver to get involved in a speeding-related accident.
Heavy gas-powered pickup trucks and SUVs carry the same low insurance coverage as smaller cars. If an accident results in severe injuries, a Philadelphia accident victim will find it hard to go after the at-fault driver for damages.
A Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney can present a robust case to insurance companies and demand fair and just compensation for accident victims.
If the need arises, your lawyer will take the case to court for trial.