Hybrids Increase Risk Of Pedestrian Strikes
Statistics prove the threat we all heard coming
A new study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association in the US has provided figures to back up anecdotal evidence that hybrid cars running in electric 'stealth mode' increase the dangers to pedestrians.
Hybrid SUVs: Big, ugly, and now officially dangerous?
A variety of crash factors were examined to determine the relative incidence rates of HEVs versus ICE vehicles in a range of crash scenarios, the NHTSA says:
"For one group of scenarios, those in which a vehicle is slowing or stopping, backing up, or entering or leaving a parking space, a statistically significant effect was found due to engine type. The HEV was two times more likely to be involved in a pedestrian crash in these situations than was an ICE vehicle.
"Similar to pedestrians, in crashes that occurred at very low speed, such as when a vehicle is making a turn, slowing or stopping, backing up, or entering or leaving a parking space, the incidence rate of bicyclist crashes involving HEVs was significantly higher when compared to ICE vehicles, and bicyclist crashes involving HEVs at intersections or interchanges were significantly higher when compared to ICE vehicles."
Does this mean our town centres will soon be filled with annoying electric beeps as car makers install alerts for dozy pedestrians? Or perhaps it just proves that TVRs made great city cars after all...
Of course I avoided getting run over. Because I looked before I crossed the road. Maybe we should come up with some sort of "code" for crossing the road. Perhaps name it something like the Green Code, since the green man on the traffic lights means go. Or howabout the Green Cross Code - since it helps you work out when it's safe to cross?
While we're at it, we could come up with another code for the use of the highway - we could call it something like the, I don't know, Road Code?
Honestly, people these days!
Of course I avoided getting run over. Because I looked before I crossed the road. Maybe we should come up with some sort of "code" for crossing the road. Perhaps name it something like the Green Code, since the green man on the traffic lights means go. Or howabout the Green Cross Code - since it helps you work out when it's safe to cross?
While we're at it, we could come up with another code for the use of the highway - we could call it something like the, I don't know, Road Code?
Honestly, people these days!
i swear i've come across some of those names before... must be all in my head though! 
Of course I avoided getting run over. Because I looked before I crossed the road. Maybe we should come up with some sort of "code" for crossing the road. Perhaps name it something like the Green Code, since the green man on the traffic lights means go. Or howabout the Green Cross Code - since it helps you work out when it's safe to cross?
While we're at it, we could come up with another code for the use of the highway - we could call it something like the, I don't know, Road Code?
Honestly, people these days!
I can remember as a small child being warned about being very careful crossing some reil tracks near outr holiday chalet when steam was being phased out and diesels introduced.
My dad told me to look several times as the new trains were quiet and couldnt be heard like the old steam chuffers.
Next time you are near a railtrack listen to the sound that modwern diesels make...certainly MUCH quieter than the eco unfriendly steam trains!!!
Similar thing is happening now with the "silent" vehicles on the road.
On a second note.... if these hybrids incur a higher risk of accident then will the insurance premiums be hiked up on them to reflect the higher risk?
No doubt the "green-mongers" who are pushing the eco arguments will have taken thses factors into account? ( excuse me while i choke/laugh).
All too often a limited argument is put forward that attempts to push a feeling of guilt on people to get them to comply. Eco- friendlyness has a lot of hidden costs that we are being taxed for and these stealth taxes will only increase.
Hmmmm... career change being contemplated here. Jump on the green bandwagon and get money for frightening people.
For me it's the same kind of think-tanks that come up with painting lanes on roundabouts because, apparently, we don't know how to use them any more; and unnecessary bus lanes where there wasn't any congestion until they put bus-lanes in and halved the amount of road open to 99% of the traffic!
I need to spend 5 minutes in the Angry Room now...
Although, on the denying medical treatment issue, this should really exclude the blind...
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