Drivers of hybrids and electric vehicles as well as advocates against noise pollution love how quietly these vehicles operate. However, a study conducted in 2009 by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed an increased rate of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists with hybrid electric vehicles over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in certain vehicle maneuvers. In fact, the study found that these quiet vehicles were twice as likely to be involved in a pedestrian crash than a conventional ICE vehicle when the vehicle is slowing or stopping, backing up, or entering or leaving a parking space. These accidents most commonly occurred at low speed limits (under 35 mph), during daytime and in clear weather.
Since that study, automakers have discussed the possibility of adding artificial sounds to help make these quiet cars more audible. Fisker’s new Karma extended range electric vehicle will emit a signature sound from the front and rear bumpers to make it more audible when idling or under low-speed acceleration. Other manufacturers are also considering audible cues for their electric cars: Ford polled consumers on Facebook to find out what sounds they preferred for the upcoming 2012 Focus Electric. Nissan has announced it will offer synthesized forward and rear motion sounds on its electric Leaf. And, according to the New York Times, Pruis owners in Japan will soon be able to install an aftermarket under-hood noisemaker to warn pedestrians of the hybrid’s approach.
NHTSA Gets Official on Vehicle Noises
Until recently, these discussions were voluntary. However just this week, NHTSA has begun assessing official rulemaking to help pedestrians detect the presence of quieter vehicles. The action, which is mandated by the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, will evaluate the merits of possible rulemakings, including requiring electric and hybrid carmakers to add sounds that alert the visually impaired and other pedestrians when these vehicles are operating in certain low speed maneuvers.
“Frankly, we’ve been working for 30 years to make cars quiet — never thinking they could become too quiet,” said Robert Strassburger to the Washington Post. Strassberger is vice president for vehicle safety at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, an industry group that has been working to address the concerns over vehicle safety sounds.
“America’s streets must be safe for everyone who uses them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “As we improve the environment with cleaner cars, we must also consider how it affects those on bikes and on foot.”
As manufacturers strive to find the perfect sound, other organizations such as noiseoff.com strive to reduce noise pollution and encourage consumers to lobby their legislators not to support bills mandating artificial vehicle sounds.
What Do You Think About These Artificial Automotive Sounds?
Interested new car buyers can listen to proposed samples at the NHTSA.gov website or review a few of the manufacturer’s samples below. Please tell us what you think on this subject, either here in our comments section, or on our FaceBook page.
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Do Your Research Before You Go to the Dealership
Regardless of whether you’re shopping for an electric vehicle or a hybrid, you will always benefit by first doing your research at www.truecar.com, where you can see what others paid for the same car in your local year in the last 30 days.
