UPDATE: Road safety experts are sounding the alarm after new data reveals that death rates in hybrid vehicles are an alarming three times higher than those in petrol cars. The findings have prompted calls for an immediate inquiry into the safety of hybrids, which have been linked to a troubling increase in fatal crashes.
According to the Department for Transport, 122 people died in hybrid car accidents last year, compared to 777 fatalities involving petrol cars. Despite hybrids being outnumbered by nearly 20 to 1 on UK roads, their higher fatality rate raises serious safety concerns. Experts warn that the unique design of hybrid vehicles—combining combustion engines, electric motors, and batteries—may contribute to their increased risk of crashes and fires.
The RAC Foundation has called for a dedicated investigation branch to address these alarming statistics. Director Steve Gooding stated, “It’s high time we had a specialist resource to address road safety risk.” The complex nature of hybrid vehicles, often heavier and equipped with dual power sources, complicates their safety profile.
The risks associated with hybrids are compounded by issues related to their batteries. These can be damaged by engine heat, making them more susceptible to fires in the event of a crash. First responders require specialized training and equipment to handle the unique fire hazards presented by hybrids, which can release toxic gases during combustion.
Experts also point to the extensive mileage hybrids can accumulate, especially among taxi drivers who favor them for their fuel efficiency. However, as these vehicles age, the risks associated with battery depletion and declining performance increase significantly.
Data from Tusker, a leading insurer of company cars, indicates that hybrids have a fire risk nearly three times higher than other vehicles, with 3,475 fires100,000 hybrid cars. This raises urgent questions about the long-term safety of hybrids as their numbers stagnate in the UK market.
Notably, diesel vehicles appear slightly safer, while electric vehicles (EVs) remain the safest option, with only 23 fatalities last year despite their growing popularity. However, as the UK government pushes towards a ban on new petrol and diesel cars within the next five years, the rise in hybrid-related fatalities poses a critical challenge for policymakers.
Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart spokesperson Nicholas Lyes emphasized that the complexity of hybrid vehicles, with their dual systems and sophisticated electronics, can create “complex fire scenarios” that are challenging for firefighters to manage.
As public enthusiasm for Net Zero initiatives wanes, the implications of these findings could have far-reaching effects on future regulations and consumer choices. With Labour’s proposed ban on petrol and diesel cars looming, the pressure is mounting on ministers who must navigate an increasingly skeptical public.
This urgent situation requires immediate attention as road safety advocates and government officials confront the troubling reality of hybrid vehicle safety. The call for an inquiry is not just a response to statistics; it is a plea for action to protect lives on the road.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
