Recognizable Artificial Sound Alert System for Hybrid Cars Needed for Pedestrian Safety

Hybrid cars are so silent when in electric mode. This is the reason why regulatory groups have been discussing about how to implement an artificial sound system that would help alert pedestrians, visually-impaired people in particular, about their presence or approach on the road. It's been shown that blind people use hearing to be alerted about moving vehicles while alongside or crossing the road. Unfortunately, the new silent-engine technology makes it harder for them to determine the presence or movement of hybrid vehicles.

Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius have been touted as almost silent when running on electricity and that they need an artificial sound for the safety of pedestrians. Although there have been reports of a low frequency sound while moving over bumps, this is still not enough to serve as an audible warning to the visually-impaired (it's also been described as annoying). Some service centers have told complaining clients that they could not replicate the sound, but Prius owners still hear it.

Because of new laws - one of which has been introduced by the US Congress - developers and regulatory groups have proposed an artificial "running" sound as a standard "operating sound" for hybrid vehicles. For now, that sound is still a big question mark. Common sense would dictate that it has to be pleasant, yet loud enough to alert people, and yet quiet enough so as not to contribute to road noise pollution.

A company called Vehicle Engine Acoustics has already produced a sound system with speakers under the four wheel wells that simulate real combustion-engine sound. Ideally, it should also replicate starting up, acceleration, deceleration, and engine rpm increase while in neutral. The company says it's the standard, but that clients can pick other sounds. It's interesting, but imagine a highway filled with hybrid vehicles emitting all manner of sounds from barking dogs, to screaming women, to twittering birds? Wouldn't that create more confusion? How will blind people know it's a car coming and not a babbling brook? These questions need to be addressed by lawmakers.



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