Increased Pedestrian Crash Risk With Hybrids
Hybrid vehicles are the newest trend in going green; they use less petroleum than the average car and typically use two or more power sources
. The most common hybrid car is an electric hybrid, which combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. These cars have proven to be quite enjoyable for the driver, as they are quieter, cleaner and more efficient. Unfortunately, for pedestrians, the quiet hum of the hybrids motor can be much more dangerous than enjoyable.In fact, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a recent report that hybrid cars are twice as likely to be involved in pedestrian collisions as a conventional vehicle. This is due to the hybrids light hum versus the traditional load humming of an engine. Plug-in electric cars are now proving to be even quieter than hybrids, which is creating more and more controversy for the companies.
The nearly silent motors are pushing lawmakers towards passing an Act to make carmakers add a noise to the car for pedestrian safety. Both the House and Senate have passed the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. The biggest supporters of the bill are blind pedestrians, who sometimes use a guide dog and their sense of hearing to know when its safe to cross a road. Unfortunately, not everyone loves the idea, Anti-noise pollution groups feel the law will only create more unnecessary noise.
Other opponents to the Act believe the study doesnt accurately represent the true risk of hybrids, since hybrids and electric cars are only dangerous when making a slow turn, backing up and at a full stop. The problem with some hybrids is that the engines will shut off as the vehicle comes to a stop at an intersection.
While this Act will be vital in keeping bling pedestrians safe, it will also benefit bicyclists, runners and the average pedestrian, especially at sunrise, sunset and nightfall, when people depend on their hearing since its more difficult to see.
The law will allow carmakers to create their own alert systems and noises, and many carmakers are already working on their signature sounds. Nissan and Chevrolet have decided to go with a chirping noise and other carmakers have decided to let their customers and fans decide what noises theyd like to hear best, and have turned it into a social media contests.
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