Recently, reader Mike asked Bill Howard this question: We recently bought a Toyota Prius and so far love it, however, my wife works with a guy that is a part-time EMT. He told her that if we get into an accident, the EMTs will not be able to use the Jaws of Life because the high voltage cables run throughout the main frame of the car and as such pose an electrocution potential for them. My question is simply: Is this true? Help--Anybody!
See Bill's reply after the jump.
Mike: You asked if there's a danger to rescue crews trying to extricate you from your banged-up Prius. No, there isn't, even if it has taken on the stuff of urban legend. Here's what happened:
The high voltage cables run down the center floorline of the car, where the transmission tunnel would be on a rear drive car. That's safety aspect #1.
In an accident that sets off the airbags, the power connection is severed. That's safety aspect #2.
Toyota, as do all hybrid makers, widely distributes in print and online rescue information and attempts to dispel myths. That's #3.
However ... some 3D side illustration views of the car on rescue information is angled such that through the trick of perspective, if, er, if the rescue guys were dimwitted, they'd think the bright orange cable runs through the side door. Even though, if you think for a minute, a power cable couldn't possibly run through a door that is always opening and closing. And even though the caption nearby says it runs through the center of the car.
So, go ahead, drive as adventurously as you want. The power rescue tool will have you out in no time, with the rescue crews none the worse for wear.
--Bill Howard, TechnoRide
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