Hybrids are safer for their passengers because batteries are heavy, the HLDI says.

FORBES: Hefty Batteries Make Hybrids Safer, Study Finds

HLDI, an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, is a big fan of hybrid technology to save gas, rather than buying a smaller car.

FORBES: Hefty Batteries Make Hybrids Safer, Study Finds

Every single hybrid in the HLDI data set had a lower death rate than its conventionally powered twin, even adjusting for differences in who buys the cars.

FORBES: Hefty Batteries Make Hybrids Safer, Study Finds

Both studies were released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and were based on research by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an affiliate of the institute.

FORBES: Hybrids: Two New Reports Reveal Good and Bad News

In a report released Thursday, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), says its comparison of 25 pairs of traditional car models and their hybrid counterparts shows a marked difference in car insurance injury claims.

FORBES: Hefty Batteries Make Hybrids Safer, Study Finds