Electric and Hybird Cars to Make Sounds for Pedestrians and the Blind

From New York Times (6.1.10):

Quiet Cars to Add Soundeffects, Not Ringtones 

By JIM MOTAVALLI

Although no one (at least yet) is making them do it, automakers are preparing to introduce quiet electric and plug-in hybrid cars that make sounds to alert pedestrians, the blind and others to their presence.

...Despite the fond hopes of some consumers, the plans are unlikely to include customizable “ring tones” (allowing motorists to choose their favorite song for the warning system). A more likely candidate would be the sound of an internal-combustion engine idling when the electric car is at a traffic light and a more aggressive note that would kick in when the car starts to move.

Lawrence Rosenblum, a professor of perceptual psychology at the University of California at Riverside, has studied human reaction to the approach of quiet cars. He said, “The blind community hates the idea of using ring tones. The sound should be recognizable and non intrusive, and relatively quiet — it shouldn’t mask the other important environmental sounds we encounter.”

...Chris Danielsen, a spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind, concurred. “We do hate the idea of ring tones,” he said. “We think manufacturers should decide the sound or set of sounds, and drivers should not be able to alter them willy-nilly.

                                                                                     

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Comments

[Linda Bradley]

I am not blind, but nearly was run over by a Hybrid as it backed out of a parking spot. I couldn't hear it and the driver wasn't looking! Very scary! I also hope the alerting sound will warn animals to get out of the way.