The law of averages dictates that as more electric vehicles operate on the nation’s roads, electric vehicles will also begin to be involved in more accidents. That offers several challenges to the first responders who might be dealing with those accidents. Why? Depending on the type of accident, certain qualities unique to electric vehicles could come to the forefront — and put a first responder at risk.
To begin with, electric vehicles are largely heavier than their combustion-engine counterparts. The amount of force required to move a crashed gas-powered SUV will be less than a comparable electric model. And while a crashed electric vehicle wouldn’t risk leaking fuel everywhere, electric vehicle batteries pose their own challenges. It’s left people tasking with thinking about automotive safety with plenty to consider.
At least one automaker is taking measures into their own hands. Autoblog reports that General Motors is working to provide training for first responders in how best to deal with crashed electric vehicles. According to the article, GM is expanding the resources it’s putting into its Battery Electric Vehicle First Responder Training program.
Following events in Michigan and Texas, GM plans to hold training sessions in California and New York — with, one hopes, more on the way.
It makes a lot of sense for GM to be doing this — for the greater good of everyone on the road and for more pragmatic reasons as well. Safety is a paramount concern for many new car buyers, and knowing that a first responder will be able to respond effectively to a situation involving an electric vehicle might be what it takes to get more drivers to go electric.
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