New York State Police officials say troopers will be the first law enforcement officers in the nation to receive special training in responding to crashes involving electric vehicles.

With electric and hybrid electric vehicles becoming more popular, emergency responders and police officers face unique hazards from high-voltage electric equipment when the vehicles are involved in accidents.

Troopers are joining representatives of the National Fire Protection Association at the State Police Academy in Albany on Tuesday afternoon to demonstrate the safety concerns faced by emergency workers responding to crashes involving electric vehicles. They’ll also discuss plans for state troopers to receive training on how to respond to such crashes.

(AP)