In 2023, 40,990 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes across the United States—an average of more than 120 people per day. As conversations around road safety and vehicle innovation continue, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), Omega Law Group took a deep dive into the latest safety data to uncover how EVs really stack up against traditional gas-powered cars.

The Safety Debate: Are EVs a Smarter Choice?

All vehicles on U.S. roads must meet strict federal safety standards, but EVs often come equipped with additional high-tech features that give them an edge. Many electric models now include:

  • Automatic emergency braking

  • Lane-keeping assistance

  • Collision avoidance systems

Structurally, EVs are designed with a lower center of gravity and reinforced frames, making them more stable and less prone to rollovers. That engineering pays off. Insurance claims data show that injury rates for EV occupants are about 40% lower than for those in gas-powered vehicles.

Fire Risk: A Surprising Twist

While battery fires tend to make headlines, the numbers tell a different story:

  • EVs: 25 fires per 100,000 sold

  • Gas vehicles: 1,530 fires per 100,000 sold

Despite the challenges of extinguishing EV battery fires, they occur far less frequently than fires in gas-powered vehicles.

EVs vs. Gas-Powered Cars: A 2025 Showdown

Electric vehicles represent the future of automotive safety, often coming standard with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), built-in crash prevention tech, and structural designs aimed at reducing risk. However, gas vehicles aren't without merit. Many newer gas-powered models are rigorously crash-tested and perform well. Their long-standing durability and suitability for long-distance driving still appeal to many consumers.

Here's a quick safety breakdown for each:

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

  • Commonly includes ADAS

  • Lower overall injury claims

  • Superior rollover resistance

  • Enhanced handling and acceleration

Gas-Powered Vehicles:

  • Varies by model and year

  • Proven crash safety in many models

  • Often more range-efficient for travel

  • May lack modern safety features in older models

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), only 48 vehicles earned top safety rankings in 2025, a sign that the bar for safety continues to rise.

Why More People Are Choosing EVs

As of 2023, there were 3.3 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads, compared to 288 million gas-powered ones. Yet EVs are the fastest-growing segment of the auto market. What's driving the shift?

  • Built-in safety tech

  • Fewer fire risks

  • Quieter, smoother rides

  • Lower maintenance and fuel costs

That said, new tech introduces new concerns. One growing issue? Pedestrian safety. EVs are nearly silent at low speeds, so federal law now requires them to emit artificial noise under 19 mph to prevent accidents, especially in crosswalks.

How to Stay Safe, No Matter What You Drive

Even with safer vehicles, the greatest risk on the road is still driver behavior. Whether you drive an EV or a gas-powered car, here are a few life-saving reminders:

  • Avoid speeding: Leave early and obey speed limits

  • Never drive drunk: Plan ahead or use a rideshare

  • Ditch distractions: Keep your phone out of reach

  • Don't drive drowsy: Rest or switch drivers if you're tired

Research shows that human error accounts for 90% of all crashes. So while your car's safety features can help, they're no substitute for staying alert and making smart choices behind the wheel.

Our Take on Vehicle Safety

At Omega Law Group, we believe that data-driven insights help drivers make safer decisions. While EVs are proving to be a smart choice in crash prevention and fire safety, driver responsibility will always be the most important factor in road safety.

Whether you're behind the wheel of an EV or a gas car, safety starts with you.