With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, more people are seeking ways to make them safer. Recently, a petition was started to add pedestrian warning sounds to EVs and hybrids that were made before September 2019. The petition calls for all hybrid and electric cars manufactured before September 2019 to include pedestrian sound features. The petition’s goal is to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists who use public roads. It argues that older cars without these sounds may be harder for vulnerable road users to detect compared with newer models. We’ll take a look at this issue in more detail and explore the potential benefits of adding such sounds to existing vehicles.
Why do they want pedestrian sounds on EVs and hybrids?
With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, there has been an increased focus on the potential hazards they pose to pedestrians. While EVs are generally very quiet, there have been instances where pedestrians have been struck by these vehicles because they were unable to hear them approaching. In response to this safety concern, many EV and hybrid manufacturers have begun to add pedestrian-sounding horns to their vehicles.
There are a few reasons why pedestrian sounds are important for EVs and hybrids. First, it can help alert pedestrians to the presence of these vehicles, especially if they are not paying attention or if the vehicle is coming up from behind them. Second, it can help pedestrians determine the direction of travel of the vehicle, which can be helpful when crossing the street or avoiding a potential collision. Finally, pedestrian sounds can help create a more pleasant and safe environment for everyone involved.
While some people may think that adding pedestrian sounds to EVs and hybrids is unnecessary, there is clear evidence that it can help improve safety for all involved.
How would this change things for pedestrians?
If electric and hybrid cars are equipped with pedestrian sounds, it would change things for pedestrians in several ways. First, they would be able to more easily identify when an electric or hybrid car was approaching, even if it was coming from behind them. Second, they would no longer have to rely on visual cues to determine if a car was stopped or about to start moving, which could improve safety. Third, the added noise would help to alert other people nearby that a car was present, which could reduce the chances of a collision.
What are some potential downsides to this change?
There are a few potential downsides to this change. First, it could make EVs and hybrids less appealing to consumers who value quietness. Second, it could make it more difficult for pedestrians to hear approaching vehicles, which could lead to more accidents. Third, the added noise could be a nuisance to nearby residents.
