Are Hybrid Vehicles Truly Dangerous to Emergency Workers? No Says Toyota
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There are No Occurrences of Any Emergency Workers Shocked by Crashed HEVs
Proof positive that you cant believe everything you read in the news is a recent Associated Press article, and additional reports, which stated that it is possible for emergency workers who cut through the doors of hybrid vehicles to receive an electric shock.
That information is not correct, at least as far as hybrid technology leader Toyota is concerned. Japans number one automaker has included a variety of safeguards to make sure of safe operation for occupants of its Prius HEV, as well as the protection of emergency response professionals on the scene of an MVA.
Setting the record straight, Toyota says the power cables carrying electric current in the Prius are automatically shut down when a collision occurs. Whats more, power cables are not located near the doors of the vehicle, but rather are situated away from any area likely to be accessed by emergency crews.
“We have worked very closely with experienced safety crews to identify how best to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” commented Dave Zellers, Toyota vice president of quality and service support. “The fact is that Prius hybrids have been on U.S. roads for five years and were not aware of any personal injury in the U.S. related to hybrid or EV electrical systems.”
No such incidents have been reported with Honda hybrid vehicles either, the only other automaker currently selling HEVs to the public. Just the same, realizing that vehicles partially powered by high-voltage electric batteries are now becoming more common on our nations roads its no wonder emergency crews and those who watch over them have become concerned.
To put fears to rest Toyota explains that its “high voltage batteries are contained in an extremely strong protective case located in a portion of the vehicle very unlikely to be penetrated in a collision.” Furthermore, drivetrain management computers are continuously monitoring the cars system functions and then performing hundreds of tests each minute to ensure all systems are working properly. If a collision or any “abnormal condition” is sensed, the Prius disables all high voltage circuits.
Additionally, upon airbag deployment or if panic braking occurs, the engine and high voltage power is shut down to prepare for impact. Toyota has also made sure all high voltage cables and components are “heavily insulated, shielded, isolated and the cables are painted bright orange for easy identification.”
“The Toyota Prius and its hybrid technology is truly an advancement in the automotive world and sometimes people are afraid when they are unfamiliar or receive false information,” added Zellers. “As consumers recognize the advantages of hybrid-powered vehicles in terms of fuel mileage, cleaner emissions and a normal driving experience, the public as a whole will become very confident in the safety of these vehicles.”
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