Hybrid and electric cars are good for the environment because of they either emit extremely low or even no emissions at all. However, there seems to be a problem: they are also too quiet. And it’s not just a problem for car lovers who will miss the sound of the engine revving, but mostly for pedestrians who will not hear an oncoming, completely silent vehicle and face the risk of an accident.
Therefore, the US NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has published a notice that, if implemented, will require by law all electric and hybrid vehicles to emit a noise that will warn pedestrians of their presence. This comes after a study in October 2009, which reported that a greater percentage of hybrids were involved in accidents with pedestrians than vehicles with normal combustion engines.
NHTSA administrator David Strickland commented on the issue: “With more and more quiet vehicles on the road, we have to consider their effect on pedestrians. Even as we make giant leaps forward with hybrid and electric vehicles, we must remain focused on safety.”
The NHTSA must define a standard for an automatic alert system that requires no driver intervention, and stipulates that all vehicles of the same make and model must have the same sound.
Source: NHTSA via Bloomberg
8 Comments:
Let's see, if Debbie and Davie Dumbshit would pay attention when crossing the road versus having their face glued to their mobile phone, then both might coexist in this world, However, such is not the case for if you are loser, with loser status, then the law protects you. People with common sense and intelligence are left to fend for their own. Only in America can we produce useless laws at taxpayer expense and enforcement.
TENNESSEE Traffic Laws, Memphis-
Illegal for a woman to drive a car unless there is a man either running or walking in front of it waving a red flag to warn approaching motorists and pedestrians.
Kansas Traffic Laws, Lawrence-
All cars entering the city limits must first sound their horn to warn the horses of their arrival.
americans are stupid enough to need a glowing hockey puck on screen
Just bullshit. First reason - because even the petrol cars are now so quiet that you can not hear them when the driver don't have the foot on acceleretion pedal - you hear only the noise from tires. So why now nobody see the problem? And the second thing - just like anon1 - only problem with mobile phones ect can have a problem - just look ond the left and right side of the road idiots! Thats all!
BS! Pedestrians and drivers can watch for themselves without the government getting involved.
America makes laws for the stupid at expense of Public juice. What a dumb fuck country i live in.
Can't get through airports without almost getting raped by the TSA, Can't film in public, can't do this can't do that. No wonder people people are leaving stateside for European and Asian countries.
If ya don't love American, then geeeet outta here. Yeah thats whats happening dude.
"I'm a hybrid, get out of the way!"
What about a smell like burning wire insulation.
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