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October 15, 2019

Are Electric Cars Safer in Collisions?



Thanks to technology, more and more people consider investing in electric cars in favor of regular vehicles. Not only have technological enhancements made these cars better for the environment, but they are also more accessibly priced. And most importantly, the most reputable car brands manufacture them, giving consumers a wide range of variety to choose from.



The truth is that cars are to blame for many accidents and deaths. In the US alone, over 30,000 people die in car accidents on a yearly basis. These figures are scary, at the very least, merely outlining the importance of shopping for safe vehicles and respecting traffic laws.

Should You Invest in an Electric Car?

Safety-wise, some people might argue that electric cars are a better choice. Why is that? Most importantly, in comparison with vehicles that run on gasoline, electric cars don’t carry combustible. But is this the only consideration?

The truth is that electric cars are equipped with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. And it is documented that these batteries come with the risk of catching fire. In some instances, they might even explode. As you might imagine, this is unsafe. That is to say, regardless of the choice of automobile, there is always some risk, meaning that you cannot exclude the likelihood of unwanted accidents.

The main problem with lithium-ion batteries is the fact that they incorporate high-density energy. And while it’s true that the size of the battery will impact the amount of energy included, they still have some of the main features of an explosive.

However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider getting an electric car just because of this. Since car manufacturers acknowledge the risks that come with the territory, many have considered installing precautionary devices. An example would be Tesla, among others, a brand that incorporated fuses and circuit breakers. The purpose of these units is to disconnect the batteries in the event of a collision.

Another critical element is maintaining the batteries cool. The thing is that they tend to be the most dangerous when they are hotter. In this respect, Tesla, Ford (News - Alert), and other reputable manufacturers have installed a radiator-chilled coolant whose primary responsibility is maintaining the temperature of the batteries under control when the car is running. Volvo has also made significant breakthroughs in this respect, meaning that electric cars are bound to become safer in collisions.

The Bottom Line

On a final note, as stated by proficient car accident lawyers, it’s critical for each driver to take on responsibility whenever they get inside a car. If people would be more responsible behind the steering wheel, things would be different in many cases. This is the key to optimizing the safety and security of the passengers. Of course, it is just as important to shop for a safe car with a high safety index that is likely to perform well in the event of a collision. It pays off to do some thorough research before making any decision.



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