Hybrid vehicles, comparable the Toyota Prius, exercise two contrary influence sources, a petrol engine, further as a flying voltage battery, which can prove defective to emergency first responders.According to consumer reports, Toyota has an emergency shutoff switch that cuts off the high voltage power system in the event of airbag deployment. Other hybrid manufacturers have similar auto cutoff switches in the event of an accident, but this still does not cover the incidence of minor accidents where the driver could be unconscious without airbags being deployed.Safety Record
This is true especially with hybrid vehicles, as their quiet engines can mislead emergency workers into thinking the vehicle already is disabled. If possible, turn the car off and put it in park by pushing the "P" key located above the gear shifter and pushing the "Power" ignition button once, located on the right hand side of the steering wheel, where a traditional key ignition would be located. Make sure the dashboard "Ready" light is not lit up.
Automatic Shut Off
There are a few additional considerations when dealing with hybrids, but for the most part, first responders are in no more nor less danger than when dealing with a traditional gas engined vehicle.
Approach
Emergency responders always should approach a disabled vehicle from the side, to avoid being in the path of the vehicle should it surge back into motion.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been zero reported deaths as a result of first responders performing rescue operations on hybrid vehicles. Manufacturers of hybrid vehicles have placed extrication manuals online for all models, as well as offered hands-on safety courses to emergency first responders.
High Voltage Cables
Manufacturers have coated all high voltage cables with orange plastic wire covers (as with most traditional vehicles). Hybrid vehicles also have been designed not to include high voltage wiring where vehicle "cut points" occur.
