Changing control design
A design improvement in the gearbox control of certain electric cars could help prevent future accidents, according to a coroner’s report. This recommendation emerged from an investigation into a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a young boy.
The report suggests that safety could be enhanced by introducing an 'intermediary step' between the 'drive' and 'reverse' options, potentially reducing the chance of gear selection errors.The proposed change stems from an accident in which a driver of a car unintentionally selected the wrong gear, relying on 'feel' rather than visually checking the gear selection. The car collided with a van, which moved forward and tragically trapped a seven-year-old child between the van and his father’s car.
The recommendation of an additional safety measure could offer a positive step forward in preventing similar accidents and holds the potential to enhance safety in vehicles with this type of control, offering a way to help avoid similar tragedies and bring peace of mind to drivers.
