UPDATE: Road safety experts are urgently calling for an inquiry after alarming new data reveals that motorists are three times more likely to die in hybrid car crashes compared to petrol vehicles. The shocking statistics, released by the Department for Transport, show that 122 fatalities occurred in hybrid accidents last year, contrasted with 777 deaths in petrol car crashes.
As the UK grapples with rising concerns over road safety, experts are warning that hybrids—despite being outnumbered by petrol cars nearly 20 to 1—pose a significantly higher risk of fatal incidents. The RAC Foundation, a prominent transport research organization, is advocating for a specialized investigation into these troubling trends. Director Steve Gooding stated, “It’s high time we had a specialist resource to address road safety risk.”
The increased danger associated with hybrids may stem from their unique combination of petrol engines, batteries, and electric motors, making them more challenging to control. This complexity can lead to heightened risks of fires, particularly given that the batteries can be damaged by the extreme heat generated by combustion engines.
First responders face additional challenges, requiring specialized training and equipment to handle the unique hazards of hybrid fires, including the potential release of toxic gases. The high electric current coursing through these vehicles can also escalate the risks for passengers during accidents.
Notably, data from leading insurer Tusker revealed that hybrids in their fleet of 30,000 vehicles experienced nearly three times the rate of fires compared to other vehicles, with a staggering rate of 3,475 fires per 100,000 hybrids.
The statistics also highlight a growing concern as the popularity of hybrids stagnates. While the UK government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars within five years, recent figures indicate a troubling decline in interest in hybrid vehicles. Less than a third of the public supports this proposed ban, raising alarms among industry experts about the feasibility of achieving ambitious Net Zero targets.
With electric vehicles (EVs) reported to be the safest, causing only 23 fatalities last year despite their increasing numbers, the focus on hybrids becomes even more critical. Safety advocates like Nicholas Lyes of IAM RoadSmart argue that the hybrid model’s complexity—having two power sources and intricate systems—creates “complex fire scenarios,” making it vital for authorities to reassess their safety protocols.
As calls for an inquiry intensify, the implications of these findings could reshape the future of hybrid vehicle regulations in the UK. Motorists and policymakers alike will be closely watching how the government responds to these urgent safety concerns.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
