UPDATE: Road safety experts are urgently calling for a formal inquiry after alarming new data reveals that drivers are three times more likely to die in hybrid car crashes compared to petrol vehicles. The grim statistics, reported by the Department for Transport, show that 122 people lost their lives in hybrid accidents last year, while 777 fatalities occurred in petrol car incidents.
This critical issue was highlighted late Saturday night, igniting serious concerns about road safety as hybrids are significantly outnumbered, with nearly 20 petrol cars for every hybrid on UK roads. The data suggests that hybrids are not only more dangerous but also increasingly complex, combining both traditional engines and electric components that can contribute to fatal crashes.
Experts from the RAC Foundation are advocating for a dedicated investigation branch to address these alarming trends. According to RAC director Steve Gooding, “It’s high time we had a specialist resource to address road safety risk.” The call for action comes amidst growing fears that hybrid vehicles, which are meant to offer an eco-friendly alternative, may actually pose increased dangers.
One major factor in these higher death rates could be the intricate design of hybrid cars. The combination of electric and petrol engines creates unique challenges for drivers and emergency responders alike. Notably, the cars’ batteries can be susceptible to damage from intense heat, resulting in a higher likelihood of fires during accidents.
In 2025, the findings also revealed that hybrids have an alarming rate of fire incidents, with a leading insurer reporting 3,475 fires per 100,000 hybrids in their fleet of 30,000 vehicles. This data places hybrids at nearly three times the risk of catching fire compared to other vehicle types.
The statistics are compounded by the increasing use of hybrids by taxi drivers, who appreciate their fuel efficiency. However, as these vehicles age, the risk of battery failure and performance decline may elevate safety concerns.
Interestingly, diesel cars have been found to be slightly safer, while electric vehicles (EVs) emerge as the safest option, with only 23 fatalities reported last year despite nearly 2 million EVs on British roads.
The insights of Nicholas Lyes from the road safety charity IAM RoadSmart further illuminate the issue. He notes that the complexity of hybrid vehicles, with their dual power sources and intricate electronics, leads to “complex fire scenarios” that pose additional risks for both drivers and first responders.
The implications of these findings are urgent, especially as the UK government plans to implement a ban on new petrol and diesel cars in the coming five years. With public enthusiasm for hybrids waning, these statistics may raise further concerns among policymakers as they strive to meet environmental targets.
As discussions surrounding road safety and vehicle regulations escalate, the need for immediate action has never been clearer. The call for a thorough investigation into the safety of hybrid vehicles is now more vital than ever.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the implications for road safety become clearer.
