NHTSA assessing pedestrian warning systems for hybrid and electric vehicles

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, USA

The addition of pedestrian warning systems on sometimes near-silent vehicles like the electric Nissan Leaf and hybrid Toyota Prius has been the subject of much debate, but with the U.S. House and Senate passing a measure that requires hybrids and plug-in vehicles to emit an audible sound to warn nearby pedestrians, like it or not, these noise-making systems will soon become standard on all electric-drive autos sold in the U.S.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that it has taken the first steps toward proposing regulations to "protect unsuspecting pedestrians" from accidents involving near-silent vehicles. Says U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood:
America's streets must be safe for everyone who uses them. As we improve the environment with cleaner cars, we must also consider how it affects those on bikes and on foot. The NHTSA is beginning to lay out its proposed regulations for pedestrian warning systems. This may take some time, but eventually the agency will evaluate noise-making systems and publish its recommendations in the Federal Register. At that time, the public will have 30 days to submit comments on the NHTSA's proposed rules.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

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NHTSA assessing pedestrian warning systems for hybrid and electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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