It’s Quiet Here…Too Quiet
Posted on | October 6, 2007
Okay. In advocating for gas-electric hybrid vehicles, I’ll admit to having overlooked this possible disadvantage:
CBS News reported on Wednesday that members of the Maryland affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind are protesting against hybrid cars on the grounds that they are too quiet to hear coming. Advocates for the blind would like some sort of noise-maker added, such as objects in the wheel wells.
The protesters carried signs saying “Hybrids give me a run down feeling” and “We want ’squeaky’ clean cars” and “Hybrid makers, make a sound decision.”
The dispute began last winter when a bill was introduced in Maryland to require more hybrid cars to be sold and advocates for the blind asked that it also require noise-making devices.
Tests have suggested that some hybrids are completely undetectable by the blind. Automakers and government officials have acknowledged the problem but have so far not taken action, while some hybrid owners and noise pollution activists are resistant to the idea of artificially making cars noisier.
My Prius has a back-up warning that beeps when the vehicle is in reverse. Interestingly, it beeps only inside the cab to remind me that no one outside is likely to hear the car coming. It really is quiet when not accelerating; the gas engine may not even be on at any given moment.
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