The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week announced it is adding a noise requirement for all newly manufactured hybrid and electric light-duty vehicles to help protect pedestrians.
US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the standard will help pedestrians, particularly those who are blind or have low vision, be aware of electric vehicles when they are traveling at low speeds, and potentially help prevent about 2400 pedestrian injuries each year.
"We all depend on our senses to alert us to possible danger," said Foxx. "With more, quieter hybrid and electric cars on the road, the ability for all pedestrians to hear as well as see the cars becomes an important factor of reducing the risk of possible crashes and improving safety."
The new standard, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 141, will require all hybrid and electric light vehicles with four wheels and a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds (4500 kg) or less to make audible noise when traveling in reverse or forward at speeds up to 30 kilometers per hour. At higher speeds, the sound alert is not required because other factors, such as tire and wind noise, provide adequate audible warning to pedestrians.
Manufacturers have until 1 September 2019, to equip all new hybrid and electric vehicles with sounds that meet the new federal safety standard. Half of new hybrid and electric vehicles must be in compliance one year before the final deadline.
"Having raised concerns on behalf of blind Americans about the dangers posed by silent hybrid and electric vehicles, the National Federation of the Blind is extremely pleased that technical specifications for a safe level of sound to be emitted by such vehicles have now been issued," said Mark Riccobono, President of the US National Federation of the Blind.
"The full implementation of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 will protect all pedestrians, especially the blind, as well as cyclists. This regulation will ensure that blind Americans can continue to travel safely and independently as we work, learn, shop, and engage in all facets of community life."
[Photo: Tesla]
Transport and Infrastructure will be a major topic of discussion at the Australian Engineering Conference 2016 in Brisbane starting on Wednesday this week, running November 23-25.