Between talking about climate change, reducing your carbon footprint, and saving the environment, electric vehicles have become one of the biggest conversations around environmental friendliness. However, many people are unsure about making the switch. Older passenger vehicles come with all the same safety features, so are electric vehicles as safe as other cars? 

If you are a driver, one of your biggest concerns is keeping you and your passengers safe. You likely never want to endanger their safety or yours, and ensuring that your vehicle is as safe as possible is part of this process. Before you commit to an electric vehicle, here are a few key differences between electric vehicles and other cars and what you can expect in terms of safety features in a car accident.

Key Differences in Electric Vehicles 

In most reports, including one conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), electric vehicles tend to be at least as safe as conventional, gas-powered cars. These vehicles are built not just for eco-friendliness but with safety in mind. Some of this comes from the way these vehicles are designed. 

First, these vehicles typically have a lower center of gravity. Often, these are passenger cars rather than many of the much larger SUVs or trucks that make up more of the gasoline-powered vehicle market. Because of this lower center of gravity, rollover accidents are less likely. 

Electric vehicles are also less likely to explode or start a fire. While some of the lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles have been recalled in the past, they are still at a lower risk of fire compared to gas cars. These vehicles should be designed with insulated high-voltage lines, which can prevent electrical fires from starting during an accident.

Advanced Safety Features 

One of the other key reasons that these vehicles are often as safe as gasoline-powered cars is that electric cars often come with more advanced tech. This advanced technology often rivals the options that non-electric cars have. While other gas-powered vehicles may have the same safety features, they tend to be a little more common than electric vehicles. 

For example, many electric cars have driving assistance features. These include automatic braking systems, blind spot alerts, and lane assist features. These features can help prevent many of the common mistakes the drivers make behind the wheel.

Hazards of Electric Vehicles on the Road 

While electric vehicles have many safety features that keep passengers protected, these vehicles are not perfect. That means that accidents can and will happen, even with these safety features. In fact, electric vehicles come with certain hazards that gasoline-powered vehicles may not.

One of the biggest issues that impact the safety of electric vehicles is the noise level. These vehicles are so quiet that pedestrian accidents have been caused because pedestrians do not hear these vehicles coming. This has led to many electric vehicle companies adding extra noise to help electric vehicles warn others that they are approaching. 

While this issue is not specific to electric cars, there have also been many concerns about self-driving cars, a feature that has been a part of the conversation around electric cars. Many people speculate that autonomous driving systems are simply not ready for the road and may cause many accidents. This can be a major concern and may impact the safety level of certain types of electric vehicles.

Environmental Implications of EVs 

However, while experienced car accident attorneys in Pittsburgh discuss these safety concerns regarding electric vehicles, it is also important to mention the environmental impact. While this does not affect the safety rating of these vehicles, it does affect the overall safety of the planet. That may be a meaningful metric for many people. 

Ultimately, any vehicle can be a danger on the road. When choosing between an electric and gas vehicle, you have options that can vary depending on your needs. Keep in mind that each has specific strengths in the realm of safety, which can impact your particular choice.