A couple of weeks ago I posted a story about IIHS crash testing of LSVs and their belief that the vehicles shouldn’t be used on public roads. Since then I’ve noticed that IIHS has been very successful in getting their of point view out in traditional media and blogs. Weeks later and the story is still being picked up various media outlets. It is too early to tell if the extensive coverage of these crash tests will lead to any restrictions on the use of LSVs on public roads.
However, I believe the course of events highlights an issue in the LSV industry. There is no “voice of the industry” that can forcefully and effectively articulate a point of view about issues that matter to the industry. In part, this is because of the relatively small size and young age of the industry. In addition, for many manufacturers LSVs are a relatively new and small addition to other established lines of business that produce the bulk of their profits. That being said, LSV manufacturers should start thinking about establishing a manufacturers association or similar body to promote LSVs and respond to industry threats. Instead of having the focus be crash tests, the industry needs to be in the public forum advocating greater integration of LSVs into the overall transportation system that could create a safer environment for all concerned. – Marc Cesare
It is critical that one understands what a NEV is and what it is not. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) are not required to satisfy highway capable standards when that clearly is not the intention or legal requirement of the car.
The NEV meets or exceeds all safety standards of its low-speed vehicle class, as defined by Transport Canada. There is a deliberate attempt to confuse the issue by constantly comparing the NEV to highway capable passenger vehicles. The NEV was not designed to travel on 400 series highways and therefore does not have to meet the same high-speed collision requirements. Just as you would not expect a motorcycle, or scooter, bicycle or bus to meet the same safety standards as a passenger car, so too must a low-speed vehicle be held to the standards defined by its class.
In terms of vehicle class, the NEV has an exemplary safety record. Approximately 40,000 NEVs have been operating on public roads in the United States for nearly ten years without any evidence of safety problems. In fact, data from the National Traffic Highway Institute (NHTSA) found that there have been no fatalities associated with the use of NEVs in mixed-use environments since 1996 (when the data started to be collected). The NEV is among the safest classes of vehicles in operation in the United States .
The admirable NEV safety record can be attributed to such things as:
– Better driver control and awareness at lower speeds
– Increased reaction time due to lower operating speeds
– Shorter braking distances
– General use of NEVs in lower speed applications, and that drivers of NEVs are fully aware of their operating design and drive them appropriately
The NEV also provides a significant increase in occupant protection when compared to other low speed transportation options in the marketplace such as bicycles and motorized scooters. The relative position of the NEV in terms of road safety must also be understood to include increased protection for cyclists and pedestrians in the event of a collision with a lighter weight, slower moving low speed vehicle.