Hybrids Safer in a Crash

We all know the advantages hybrid cars have over their petrol or diesel powered cousins, but it now seems they also protect their passengers better in the event of a road traffic accident. According to a study by the Highway Loss Institute, reported in Autoblog, occupants were 27% less likely to be injured in the hybrid version of a vehicle compared to its gas driven counterpart:-

The Highway Loss Data Institute studied 25 2003 to 2011 vehicles that featured both conventional and hybrid powertrains (example: Honda Civic and Honda Civic Hybrid). The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight were not included in the study since neither vehicle has a conventionally-powered counterpart.

The main reason for this is weight. Hybrid cars are heavier, due to the weight of the batteries, and heavier cars are inherently safer that lighter cars. This is good for both occupants and insurance companies. However, it isn’t all good news:-

HDLI finds that hybrid vehicles are 20 percent more likely to be involved in pedestrian crashes with injuries. The study claims that pedestrians might get involved in more accidents with hybrids because they can’t hear the cars when they’re in electric mode. We’d add that low rolling resistance tires often contribute to longer braking distances, and the heavier hybrids are also slower and less maneuverable than their non-hybrid counterparts.

Hybrids still have a way to go to be fun to drive, I’m waiting for the infrastructure for hydrogen cars to become widely available, as in my opinion they are going to be far more convenient in the long run.