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Are EVs Safer Than Gas Cars?

In 2023, over 40,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes across the United States, that’s more than 120 lives lost every single day. At Omega Law Group, we know how critical it is to prioritize vehicle safety, especially as electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on the road.

To better understand how EVs stack up against traditional gas-powered vehicles, we dug into the data, comparing everything from crash performance to fire risk. What we found might surprise you and could help drivers make more informed, safer choices.

All vehicles in the U.S. must meet federal safety standards, but EVs often go above and beyond, coming equipped with modern safety features that aren’t always standard in older gas vehicles. Think: automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and crash avoidance systems.

Structurally, EVs also have some advantages. Without a bulky gas engine, many are designed with a lower center of gravity and reinforced frames. This makes them less likely to roll over and better able to absorb crash impact.

When it comes to injuries, EVs appear to hold an edge. According to insurance data, injury claims for electric vehicle occupants are 40% lower than for people in gas-powered cars.

And what about the fire risk? While battery fires tend to dominate headlines, the numbers tell a different story:

  • EVs: 25 fires per 100,000 sold

  • Gas-powered cars: 1,530 fires per 100,000 sold

Even though EV battery fires can be harder to put out, they happen far less frequently.

Safety Comparison in 2025: EVs vs. Gas Vehicles

Here’s how the two vehicle types compare today:

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

  • Advanced safety features (ADAS) are often standard

  • Lower injury claim rates

  • Better rollover prevention

  • Responsive handling for crash avoidance

Gas-Powered Vehicles:

  • Safety varies based on model and age

  • Proven track record in crash durability

  • More widely available for long-distance use

  • Some older models may lack safety upgrades

According to the latest ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), only 48 vehicle models met the highest safety standards in 2025. This shows that both EVs and gas cars must evolve to meet rising safety expectations.

Why EV Popularity Is Growing

As of 2023, there were 3.3 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads compared to 288 million gas-powered cars. So why the shift?

Consumers are drawn to EVs for their:

However, EVs aren’t without challenges. For example, because they’re so quiet, EVs must now emit artificial sounds at speeds below 19 mph to help protect pedestrians.

Driving Safe Starts With You

No matter what you drive, safety starts with the person behind the wheel. Driver behavior accounts for 90% of car accidents, which means the best protection isn’t always about what’s under the hood—it’s how you use it.

To stay safe on the road:

  • Avoid speeding: Leave early and stick to speed limits

  • Don’t drive impaired: Plan a sober ride

  • Stay focused: Keep your phone out of reach

  • Rest up: Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving

Our Take

At Omega Law Group, we believe safety comes from informed decisions. EVs show strong performance in crash tests and fire data, but even the safest car can’t prevent accidents caused by human error.

The bottom line? Whether you drive electric or gas, adopting safer habits behind the wheel will always be your best defense.