Electric Cars on The Rise
California is going GREEN and it mandates that by 2035 all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California be “zero-emission” vehicles. More and more electric charging preferred parking spaces are easily accessible almost everywhere. According to the US Department of energy, California had approximately 425,300 light-duty electric vehicle registrations in 2020. As of December 31, 2020, California has the greatest number of EVs, approximately 42% of EVs nationwide.
Silent and Deadly…
Unlike motor powered vehicles, electric cars produce no sound but their horn. This is a risk factor for pedestrians. A SMART Electric Car will have that automatic detect feature that will stop the vehicle from getting into an accident. But not all Electric Cars are smart. Both pedestrians and car drivers should be alert and not distracted when walking and driving. Just because you cannot hear the car coming doesn’t mean that it is not there. Research shows electric cars are about 40% more likely to hit a pedestrian than a conventional vehicle. Unlike louder gasoline engines, EVs move quietly. So quietly, in fact, that unwitting pedestrians may not be able to hear them as they enter intersections and walk along city streets. This primarily occurred at low speeds, which is another indication that those being injured by EVs may have had trouble hearing their approach. Electric cars have been called the road’s “silent killers.” The low noise emission is more of a reason to make sure as a driver and a pedestrian that safe practices are followed. Both EV drivers and pedestrians should be alert and aware of their surroundings.
AVOID…
-Using your mobile device
-Don’t wear headsets that can compromise your hearing
-Avoid getting distracted while driving like playing with the radio
-Don’t multi-task while driving like trying to get something out of your reach
Battery Dangers
Another potential danger posed by electric cars comes from the batteries that power the vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are used to power the motors and internal electronics of many electric vehicles. If exposed to any amount of water, including moisture in the air, the lithium begins to react and get hot. At a hot enough temperature, the lithium will ignite and burn. If the battery is damaged in a collision, any people in or near the vehicle could get seriously burned. It is advisable having a small or compact fire extinguisher in your car should the need arises.
In case of an unavoidable accident, the Law Offices of Payam Y. Poursalimi can answer any questions or concerns. Call the office for a free consultation at 877-PAYAMLA
