Do not assume that only our sense of sight gets us safely across an intersection. We also use our sense of hearing. New technology unintentionally may make being a pedestrian a little less safe. There are increasing numbers of auto accident injuries and also injuries stemming from motorcycle accidents due to the growing number of EV, or electric vehicles, on the streets.
A cleverly titled blog at Pikeresearch.com delves into the possible need for EVs to actually make some noise. “The Silence of the Cams”, argues that requiring makers of electric and hybrid vehicles to have their cars make some kind of noise is a way to keep pedestrians safer as the noise might warn pedestrians of the approach of the vehicle. The Nissan Leaf incorporates a pedestrian warning beeper. A study by the NHTSA found rates of accidents involving pedestrians and EV’s up to 40% higher as compared to conventional (internal-combustion) engines. Some sort of warning noise may be a realistic way to keep pedestrians safer.
The need for a “noisier” hybrid vehicle or EV might be demonstrated by what leads up to an accident in a parking lot. Even low speed auto versus pedestrian accident injuries can be quite serious. EVs and many hybrid vehicles make little if any noise when they first start up. Thus, an EV or hybrid which is started and then backed out of a parking spot might not be detected by nearby pedestrians. Of course, drivers need to make every effort to avoid hitting someone and pedestrians need to pay attention too. However, pedestrians in a vehicle’s “blind spot” who do not hear any car engine may assume that no nearby vehicles are moving and will not be as watchful as they should be. These circumstances could also occur at a corner where an EV is making a “right on red”. Pedestrians, not hearing a car engine, may assume it is safe to go when in fact a moving vehicle is almost on top of them.
There is also concern about the lack of noise made by electric motorcycles. BMW has developed an electric scooter that has a cruising speed of around 70mph. It also has a 60 mile range between charges which means it could be used on highways. Sounds great, unless you are a diehard fan of the prototypical American motorcycle rumble. Or, unless you are concerned about the safety of soundless motorcycles and their possible increased rate of involvement in motorcycle accidents. The same concerns apply to electric scooters and motorcycles as do to EVs and hybrid cars: the lack of any engine noise becomes a liability for the vehicle driver and for other drivers and nearby pedestrians.
By hearing an engine, we avoid an accident. A little noise may go a long way in keeping people safe on the roads.
Related posts:
