IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT POPULAR HYBRID CARS

Story Summary:

From Hollywood stars, to your environmentally conscious neighbor, Americans are buying hybrid cars in record numbers, and auto manufacturers are scrambling to keep up with the trend. But there is a little-known safety concern that people need to know. In an accident, the high voltage lines inside hybrid vehicles pose deadly risks to rescue workers faced with cutting victims out of a crashed car. Rescue workers need to know how to approach these vehicles so everyone stays safe. The electrical lines in hybrids carry anywhere from 144 to 650 volts of power- an amount that's easily enough to electrocute someone.

Concerned about this important safety issue, State FarmŽ, the nation's largest automobile insurer, recently conducted a national education effort to inform fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) workers about the potential risks posed by hybrid vehicles involved in crashes. The session offered vital information on identifying hybrids, details on how to power them down as well as other considerations to be made prior to cutting into various hybrid car bodies.

Soundbites

• RON MOORE, Automobile Extrication Trainer, McKinney, TX Fire Department
• BOB MEDVED, Senior Claims Instructor, State Farm

B-Roll Includes

• **Hybrids on the road** CU of electric lines** Stock footage of car accident extrication** Moore training other firefighters at firehouse

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: "State FarmŽ"