The recent UK study’s results are alarming: For every mile driven, electric and hybrid vehicles are three times more likely to hit pedestrians in urban areas than ICE vehicles are. The data it analyzed is complex, and the truth may be nuanced. But pedestrian deaths are on the rise and the study unearthed some important facts that might keep you safer.

First and foremost, the UK study crunched data on 32 billion miles driven by hybrids/EVs and three trillion miles driven by purely ICE vehicles, between 2013 and 2017. This included 120,197 pedestrian casualties.

Obviously, because ICE vehicles far outnumber EVs, most of these casualties were caused by ICE vehicles. Per mile driven, the two vehicle types were equally deadly in rural settings. But in urban areas–whether towns or cities–the hybrids and EVs were three times as likely to run over pedestrians. Across all terrain, the average annual pedestrian casualty rate for ICE vehicles was 2.4/100 million miles driven. For hybrids/EVs it was 5.16/100 million miles driven.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reported its own death rates in 2017: electric and hybrid cars pose 20% more risk to pedestrians overall, and 50% more risk during low speed maneuvers. What maneuvers? Turning, reversing, starting out in traffic, and coming to a stop.

I have several theories why EVs are more dangerous. But one important note is that after July 2019, every hybrid or EV sold in Europe had to emit a warning sound at low speeds. While this same pedestrian fatality data in the UK isn’t yet available, the numbers may have fallen because of the aforementioned safety equipment.

The UK study theorizes that not only are EVs quieter, but their drivers tend to be younger (read, less experienced). In addition, EVs tend to be heavier than ICE vehicles in their segment. This means they move with more momentum and can be more deadly to pedestrians. Finally, EVs often have quicker acceleration times than comparable ICE vehicles.

These are all interesting factors. But I will say that the weight difference between an ICE sedan and and an EV sedan pales in comparison to that between an ICE sedan and full-size truck or SUV. In addition, regenerative braking systems serve to boost EV’s standard hydraulic braking systems.

There are several other factors I think it’s worth studying. First and foremost, many automakers are trying to attract buyers by making EVs more futuristic. Many are deleting all physical buttons and switches and moving these controls into menus on increasingly large touchscreens. Multiple studies have demonstrated that this is very unsafe. Drivers’ must look away from the road for longer to complete basic tasks. In addition, these big screens are just plain distracting. I suspect some may prove as dangerous as texting while driving.

Automakers are also equipping many premium EVs with the most advanced driver aid software available. This is a great tool to increase road safety. But it can be a deadly crutch. Even the best automatic emergency braking can’t always avoid hitting a motorcycle while traveling over 37 mph. Avoiding a pedestrian presents a much greater technical challenge. In the NHTSA’s investigation of a string of deaths caused by Teslas on autopilot, the Administration concluded that “autopilot” systems can’t yet be relied upon, but they give drivers false confidence.

I would also love to see a study on the blindspots of EVs compared to ICE vehicles. The IIHS found that a truck involved in a fatal crash with a pedestrian at an intersection was four times as likely to be turning left. Why? It is probably the huge blindspots caused by bloated “A pillars” between the windshield and driver’s side window. Why are A pillars getting so big? The combination of increasing vehicle weights and more dramatic windshield angles to improve aerodynamics. EVs are heavy and designed with aerodynamics in mind, so they may suffer from similar blindspots.

Pedestrian deaths continue to rise in many places. Denver is leveling a “bloat fee” on heavy vehicles to pay for safety programs. New York City is considering a speed limit as low as 10 mph. Causes probably include larger vehicles with bigger blindspots and quicker acceleration, distracted drivers, and distracted pedestrians. A recent study found that whoever was “liable” for an accident, 90% of the time both parties were being unsafe. So while EVs may pose unique risks, there are things both EV drivers and pedestrians can do to stay safe.

First and foremost, pay attention to your surroundings. It doesn’t matter if you are driving or walking. Cellphones, earbuds, and big infotainment screens can all cause deadly accidents. You can familiarize yourself with the pedestrian warning noises various hybrids and EVs make in the video playlist below: