Data from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows hybrid cars may be 20 percent more likely to be involved in collisions which injure pedestrians than traditionally-fueled vehicles.

They attribute this tendency largely to the decreased noise the cars make, which makes it less likely pedestrians will hear them coming down the road. As a result, those on foot may be less cautious when crossing the road and fail to observe oncoming traffic. This problem is likely to become more pronounced as hybrids proliferate, according to researchers.

Researchers warned the data, because it was based on claims and not directly on pedestrian involvement, might not have provided an exact picture of the relationship between hybrids and pedestrian accidents. They were fairly confident in their data, however, based on examination of a sample that seemed to support their analysis.

If a pedestrian is harmed by a vehicle, auto insurance bodily injury liability coverage generally applies to pay for the medical, hospital and other expenses incurred as a result.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking to find a solution before the end of a three year deadline established by Congress. Legislators mandated the NHTSA devise appropriate auditory cues which hybrids can use to warn pedestrians they are on the road.