The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration held a public hearing today regarding the threat hybrid vehicles pose to pedestrians. The blind were always an identifiable victim to whisper-quiet hybrids, with the U.S. government to pass legislation that would have hybrids emit minimum sound levels.
At the hearing, representatives from the American Foundation for the Blind and National Federation of the Blind argued hybrid cars pose a threat to 1.1 million legally blind Americans, 20 million Americans who are visually impaired but not legally blind, as well as cyclists and children.
The parties argued that the growing number of hybrid vehicles, capable of operating on electricity at low speeds, combined with the growing number of older Americans with poor vision, will exacerbate the problem, according to an Automotive News report.
While some are calling for the vehicles to make artifical noises, others still are saying a wireless communication system should be used. The NHTSA is against adding to noise pollution. Owners of hybrids were not invited to contribute to the talks, but NHTSA Deputy Administrator Jim Ports said the agency is accepting is accepting written suggestions.
The Detroit 3, Toyota and six other automakers were represented by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, and said the automakers are behind finding a solution to the problem but aren’t convinced adding sound is the answer, saying research into the matter is needed. Such data will come later this year, as an SAE International panel will present its year-long findings into the problem before the end of 2008.
