Hybrid Cars: make some NOISE!
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Hybrid Cars: make some NOISE!
Quiet cars, namely Hybrids and Electrics, are under the spotlight after the US National Federation of the Blind voiced its concern about the noise they generate, or rather their lack of noise. In a world that invented double glazing and earmuffs to combat traffic noise, among other things, it would seem that there’s a positive to a loud engine – it lets pedestrians know there’s a car coming and, of course, this is helpful for people with impaired vision.
Engineering first
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,613
From: Huntsville, AL
Re: Hybrid Cars: make some NOISE!
Braille touch pads cause no problem and don't cost much. But adding noise imposes sound upon the sighted. Furthermore, the blind already have problems with existing traffic that noise alone does not solve.
Personally, I don't see a happy outcome. It would be nice if collision avoidance could start with detectors on our cars. This could also lead to efficient, smart cruise control systems. But a simple noise maker would add little or no value to all parties.
Bob Wilson
Insipid Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 205
Re: Hybrid Cars: make some NOISE!
Maybe the automakers of our vehicles can add a jet / rocket propulsion system to our cars. Or perhaps a less expensive option, the equivalent of deer alerts developed especially to warn the blind. Or even less expensive, a party style curly whistle, we can stick our heads out the window and blow. What next, the terrorists start complaining that we are not using enough oil / gas. Please excuse my ridiculous rant, but this world is out of control.
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
From: Laurel, MD
Re: Hybrid Cars: make some NOISE!
Last I checked, it was up to all drivers to look out for all pedestrians.
It is up to the drivers of quiet cars to take extra care when near all pedestrians; and to realize that they probably haven't heard you.
And, last but not least, I'm not sure that the blind should be able to tangle with traffic unassisted - with quiet or loud cars.
I'm 355 lbs and - guess what? - I can't dance in the Bolshoi Ballet. Not all people have the divine right to do all things.
Noise IS a form of pollution.
Quieter is always better.
No exceptions.
It is up to the drivers of quiet cars to take extra care when near all pedestrians; and to realize that they probably haven't heard you.
And, last but not least, I'm not sure that the blind should be able to tangle with traffic unassisted - with quiet or loud cars.
I'm 355 lbs and - guess what? - I can't dance in the Bolshoi Ballet. Not all people have the divine right to do all things.
Noise IS a form of pollution.
Quieter is always better.
No exceptions.
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