Hybrid Jungle

While most people prefer quiet cars, this is not the case for people that rely on the sound of the vehicles to get around safely. Hybrid and electric cars can be almost silent at lower speeds and may even be a hazard to the 1.3 million Americans who are legally blind, cyclists, runners, children and pets.

Rep. Cliff Stearns and Rep. Edolphus Towns, are sponsoring legislation that would change the way hybrids sound by utilizing a “noise emitting” device that would activate when the car is running in electric mode. “I think it’s worth looking into because there are so many people who cross streets and depend on their hearing,” Stearms said. “The beneficial trend toward more environmentally friendly vehicles has had the unintended effect of placing the blind and other pedestrians in danger,” said Democratic Rep. Edolphus Towns. The bill is intended to protect blind people and other pedestrians from the dangers posed by these silent hybrid vehicles.

In speed below 20-25 mph a study by UC Riverside found that test subjects needed to be 40% closer to hybrid vehicles than cars with traditional gasoline engines before they could hear them. Once the vehicle exceeds this speed, they generate enough tire and aerodynamic noise to make them audible. The proposed bill would require a two year study from the Department of Transportation before issuing safety standards. Automakers would then have two years to comply.

Source: LA Times

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