Hybrid Myths

There are several myths associated with hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and the potential dangers of these high-voltage vehicles in the event of an accident. Some of the most common myths about HEVs for first responders include:

• If a hybrid vehicle is immersed in water, shocking is inevitable
• Touching a hybrid vehicle that has been in an accident will result in being shocked
• First responders cannot use water on a hybrid vehicle involved in an accident.

These are just a few of the many myths surrounding hybrids that are involved in accidents. Hybrid technology is designed to be very safe for drivers, technicians, and first responders. However, the longer it takes to extract victims from a vehicle, the greater their injuries may become. If a first responder hesitates because of these myths it could cause precious minutes in the extraction process. There are some special procedures that need to be followed when approaching a hybrid vehicle involved in an accident. This is why the NAFTC (experts in developing alternative fuel training curriculum) has designed the workshop, First Responder's Safety: Hybrid Electric Vehicles. This four-hour workshop, targeted specifically to first responders, delivers an overview of how hybrid technology works and dispels the myths first responders hear about hybrids.

For more information on the First Responder's Safety: Hybrid Electric Vehicles workshop, please call the NAFTC headquarters at (304) 293-7882.

(Return to "Let's Clear the Air" article)