Are Hybrid Vehicles Truly Dangerous to Emergency Workers? No Says Toyota

By Trevor Hofmann,

Friday, May 07, 2004

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There are No Occurrences of Any Emergency Workers Shocked by Crashed HEVs

Proof positive that you can't 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.

Contrary to some reports, the Toyota Prius has been designed to prevent electrical shocks to occupants and emergency workers in event of an accident. (Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

That information is not correct, at least as far as hybrid technology leader Toyota is concerned. Japan's 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.

No such electrical shocks have been reported with Honda hybrid vehicles either. (Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Setting the record straight, Toyota says the power cables carrying electric current in the Prius are automatically shut down when a collision occurs. What's 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 we're not aware of any personal injury in the U.S. related to hybrid or EV electrical systems."