Is Range Anxiety Common?

As electric vehicles (EVs) have grown in popularity, a unique concern that has come to light is range anxiety. The fear of a vehicle’s battery running out of power before reaching a charging station is referred to as range anxiety and this worry can affect driving behavior, leading to distracted or reckless decisions on the road.

In Florida, more drivers have been giving up their gas-powered vehicles, which has led to range anxiety becoming an increasingly relevant issue. Understanding what range anxiety is, how it can contribute to accidents, and when to talk to an Orlando personal injury attorney is key to staying safe and protecting your rights.

How Range Anxiety Can Contribute to Accidents

Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles that can refuel at numerous gas stations, EV drivers need to carefully plan their trips around available charging stations. If they miscalculate their vehicle’s range or find themselves in an area without easy access to chargers, they may panic, which can negatively impact their driving behavior.

Range anxiety can contribute to accidents in several ways:.

• Distracted driving. Drivers experiencing range anxiety may become overly focused on their vehicle’s battery status, continuously checking the dashboard or navigation for nearby charging stations. This distraction can cause them to take their eyes off the road or miss important traffic signals and obstacles, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Operating an EV recklessly. In an attempt to preserve battery life, some EV drivers may adjust their driving style, such as slowing down excessively or coasting without paying attention to traffic patterns. These abrupt changes in behavior can catch other drivers off guard and lead to accidents.
• Poor decision making. Anxiety can cloud judgment. A driver dealing with range anxiety might make risky decisions, such as taking shortcuts, running red lights, or swerving in and out of lanes to get to a charger more quickly. This erratic driving puts themselves and others in danger.

Fortunately, there are several strategies EV drivers can follow to minimize range anxiety and reduce the risk of accidents.

Best Practices to Avoid Range Anxiety

Before heading out, EV drivers should plan their routes, identifying available charging stations along the way. Florida has an increasing number of public charging points, but checking apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint can ensure drivers have up-to-date information on station locations.

It is also beneficial to understand your car’s true range under different driving conditions, such as on highways, city streets, or during hot weather, to give you a better idea of how far you can go before needing to charge. And instead of waiting until the battery is nearly empty, take advantage of charging opportunities when they are available.

Distracted or reckless driving due to range anxiety can be considered negligence. If you were hurt in an EV accident, an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation is obtained.

Are you healing from harm sustained in an EV collision? Speak with the attorneys at Israoui Law to explore your legal options. To access the personal attention you deserve, call 407-381-4529.  Always speak to an experienced injury lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.