A new report from researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is raising alarm bells about the safety implications of electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads. According to findings from the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, the weight of these vehicles—primarily due to their heavy batteries—poses a significant threat to the effectiveness of existing roadside guardrails. With EV adoption on the rise, experts stress the urgent need for action to address this pressing issue.
The study, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and Auburn University, involved a groundbreaking crash test of an electric pickup truck to assess whether current roadside barriers are equipped to handle the increasing weight and speed of EVs. The results were startling: a 2022 Rivian R1T, weighing over 7,000 pounds, barreled through a guardrail at 60 mph with alarming ease, showing minimal deceleration. In another test, a 2018 Tesla Model 3 lifted a guardrail and slid beneath it, illustrating the inadequacy of current safety measures.
The report highlights a critical safety concern: while EVs are involved in run-off-road crashes at rates comparable to traditional gasoline vehicles, the impact energy in these collisions could be 20% to 50% higher due to their heft. Cody Stolle, assistant director of the Midwest Roadside Safety Foundation, emphasized the need for immediate action. “As the percentage of EVs on the road increases, so too will the proportion of run-off-road crashes involving these heavier vehicles,” he warned.
Stolle’s comments come in the wake of thousands of fatalities each year related to guardrail crashes. The potential for increased danger as EVs become more prevalent cannot be overlooked. “It’s going to be necessary to re-examine the designs of roadside barriers,” he said, calling it a “critical and timely need.”
Genevive Pezzola, a civil engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, echoed Stolle’s sentiments. “Our mission is to deliver vital engineering solutions to secure our nation,” she stated. Pezzola underscored the importance of baseline comparison tests for EVs, which serve as the first step in adapting our roadside protection measures to the evolving vehicle fleet.
As policymakers and transportation authorities grapple with the transition to electric vehicles, the implications of this study should not be ignored. The current infrastructure, designed for lighter gasoline vehicles, may not be adequate to handle the unique challenges posed by EVs. With their rapidly increasing market share, the need to reassess and upgrade roadside safety measures is more pressing than ever.
In a landscape where environmental concerns are often prioritized over practical safety considerations, it’s vital that we take a balanced approach. While the push for greener technologies is laudable, we must not forget the safety of our roads and highways. Ensuring that our infrastructure can accommodate the heavier, faster electric vehicles of the future is not just a technical requirement; it’s a matter of public safety.
As this discussion unfolds, it’s crucial for lawmakers, industry leaders, and safety advocates to work together to create solutions that will protect all drivers on the road, regardless of the vehicle type. The rise of electric vehicles presents a unique opportunity to innovate and enhance our safety measures, ensuring that our roads remain safe for everyone.
