While hybrid cars and SUVs may be good for the environment, it may not be necessarily true for pedestrians. In fact, pedestrians are about twice as likely to get involved in crashes with hybrid automobiles as any other type of vehicle.

According to a research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian crashes were likely to occur when a hybrid car is slowing or stopping, backing up, or entering or leaving a parking space.

Also, the incidence rate of bicycle crashes involving hybrids are significantly higher, especially those which occur at intersections and interchanges.

Generally, it is generally assumed that the crash rates of hybrid cars with pedestrians and bicyclists are higher because people are often unaware of the car’s presence unless it hits them.

Advocacy groups have expressed their concern several times over the fact that the hybrid may be too quiet and pedestrians, especially those who are blind, and bicyclists who rely on hearing the sound of an engine, are the most at risk of getting run over.

But the study conducted by the NHTSA show that most of the car crash fatalities occurred when the hybrid was going faster than 35 mph, when these cars made the same amount of noise as any ordinary vehicle.

The hybrid’s silence may be a factor for some pedestrian and bicyclist car crash accidents but apparently, it’s not the only one.

Other factors behind a pedestrian and bicyclist accidents include the following:

  • Poor roadway design (lack of crosswalks or traffic lights and signals)
  • Drunk driver/pedestrian/bicyclist
  • Distracted driver/pedestrian/bicyclist
  • Failure to follow road rules and regulations

Vehicle design or defect is rarely a factor in crashes, most motor vehicle accidents especially those involving pedestrians and bicyclists are because of human error.

In the event that the fault for the collision lies in a drunk or distracted or reckless driver, the injured pedestrian or bicyclist has the right of action against him for compensation of damages.

However, if the situation was reversed and this time, it was the pedestrian or bicyclist who was drunk, distracted or reckless, then the driver may not be held liable for any injury suffered by the former.

So for drivers and pedestrians alike, regardless of what type of vehicles are on the road these days, it would be best to be alert of your surroundings because there is a high price for negligence.