Pedestrian Accidents Involving Electric Cars
Pedestrians in Richmond should be able to feel safe whether they are walking for exercise or leisure, walking on a sidewalk downtown, or crossing a street. However, pedestrians sustain serious and deadly injuries much more often than many people expect. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), data as of April 2024 revealed that 453 crashes involving pedestrians had occurred in the state, and those collisions resulted in 442 pedestrian injuries and 35 fatalities. The DMV notes that speed is a major issue in many accidents involving pedestrians, but is speed the only factor that is a common one? According to a recent article in Forbes, electric and hybrid cars may be involved much more frequently in collisions with pedestrians.
What should you know about pedestrian accidents in Richmond involving electric cars? Our experienced Richmond pedestrian accident attorneys can provide you with more information, and we can speak with you today about options for filing a claim.
Learning More About Electric Cars and Pedestrian Collisions
Why are some commentators saying that electric cars are more likely to be involved in crashes with pedestrians? According to the Forbes article, the data comes from a study in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. That data suggests that the major issue concerns the lack of sound coming from electric vehicles, and how pedestrians are less likely to realize that an oncoming vehicle is nearby due to the lack of noise. And that study indicates that, based on the figures, electric vehicles pose a significantly greater risk to pedestrians than vehicles with traditional motors. But as electric cars become more common and pedestrians know to watch for them, is this data really accurate?
As the article in Forbes argues, it is important to recognize that the data is quite “old” as far as the world of electric vehicles goes. Indeed, none of the data cited dates to a time frame beyond 2017 — now 7 years ago. While that much time might not seem significant in general, it is a substantial amount of time when it comes to the development of electric cars. More people and pedestrians have become accustomed to seeing, riding in, and driving EVs, and it is quite possible that the conclusions drawn are no longer as relevant.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in Richmond
In short, while pedestrians should certainly be aware that electric vehicles could be nearby and may not be loud enough to be heard in the same way as a motorized vehicle, it may be equally important for pedestrians to focus on risks posed by speeding drivers and distracted drivers. Thus far in 2024, Richmond has the highest number of pedestrian injuries in motor vehicle collisions — 45 — in the state. That number is significantly higher than the second-highest location of Arlington County, which has had 29 pedestrian injuries as of April 2024.
It is critical for motorists to understand the serious risks of pedestrian collisions when speeding, distracted driving, and other negligent behaviors are involved. As the Virginia DMV emphasizes, Virginia drivers need to slow down. In addition, pedestrians should avoid distracted walking (by listening to music or texting while walking, for example) and should always try to make eye contact with oncoming drivers before crossing a street.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Richmond, Virginia
If you were injured as a pedestrian in a collision with an automobile, you may be eligible to file a claim. One of the experienced Richmond pedestrian accident lawyers at Latham & Martin can speak with you today to learn more about your case and to discuss your options with you. Contact us for more information.
Sources:
dmv.virginia.gov/news/dmv-urges-virginians-prioritize-pedestrian-safety-behind-wheel#:~:text=Preliminary%20numbers%20show%20that%20so,the%20Governor’s%20Highway%20Safety%20Representative
forbes.com/sites/jamesmorris/2024/05/25/are-electric-vehicles-really-more-dangerous-to-pedestrians/
